GAAC vs. GAIQ
In May 2009 I was up for a challenge so I took the Google Analytics Individual qualification test. It was a little challenging at times but all-in-all a good test. It would be a very difficult test to fake your way through. I did this as a fun project to compare GAAC (Google Analytics Authorized Company) to GAIQ (Google Analytics Individual Qualification). In comparison, GAAC had a far greater degree of qualification requirements.
I work as a web analytics manager for an internet marketing comapny and was responsible for getting the GAAC badge.
After all the case studies, draft copies, Google interviews and tests we became a GAAC in Toronto, Ontario, August 29, 2008. We are one of 80 (7 in Canada, 1 in Ontario) companies
in the world currently possessing this elite Google Analytics professional recognition. Once
you meet or exceed Google’s GAAC guidelines and testing you receive a citation on the Google
website.
So far, that citation creates quite a few good leads that convert into Google
Analytics training, consulting, and optimized installation clients.
Searching For GAAC Analytics Support
Most people that find companies for analytics support do it by entering phrases into Google like the one below Google Analytics Authorized Companies. We can see the first result is the Google web page of authorized companies resulting in the highest converting page (closed sales) to our company website. By drilling analytic data a little deeper this page is a dominant referral with a low bounce and high time on site = good engagement.
Once the link in the result pages is clicked a list of companies
with their qualifications appear.
This is what the icons mean:
Illustration August, 2008
Searching for GAIQ Support
I tested dozens of phrases to see if I could locate a
similar list for GAIQ’s. GAIQ help is the first one I tried and Google’s own
data base does not even acknowledge…
the term GAIQ used in the context of “help”.
If I am someone looking for Google Analytics help from an individual how would I ever find them? I might try a longtail search like Google Analytics Individual Qualified to find a qualified individual to help you set up your site for analysis. Still, nothing that supports the people that have passed the GAIQ test.
ROI
revolution has even picked up on this niche, you can see by an ad that takes
you to a preparation/ training page for Google Analytics.
GAIQs are Invisible
Hmmm, I say- absolutely nothing to be found anywhere.
Before taking the exam I read the Google intro page where it states,
“The Google Analytics IQ program is tailored for agencies
who want to retain and develop employees who are knowledgeable about Web
analytics, and for individuals who seek ways to improve their job prospects or
further their own personal development.”
The cost of the test is non refundable $50 US. It test takes
about 90 minutes. When you complete the test you know the results instantly
and receive a GAIQ certificate of qualification if you pass. Other than the hidden certificate that you have to login and get,
Google shows no public record of your accomplishment like GAACs or AdWords Professionals.
What Am I Saying?
I suppose what I am wondering is, the recognition certified companies
get seems to be more in the spotlight than individuals. Why is that? The Adwords test
is $50 (same price as GAIQ) and AdWords professionals receive public
recognition via Google citation. From experience I can say, showing your client a
verifiable link on a Google website holds far more weight then a pretty picture that any Photoshop
rookie could MacGyver up.
What are the VALUES of GAIC other then a pretty picture?
Should we have a Listing On Google for Passing The GAIQ Test?
GAIQs PLEASE speak up here, let’s get what we deserve …grrrrr
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