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Google Analytics adding search sorting, outbound link checking

Google Analytics is getting some new tricks. Webmasters rejoice!

Josh Lowensohn Former Senior Writer
Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and now covers Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about everything from new Web start-ups, to remote-controlled robots that watch your house. Prior to joining CNET, Josh covered breaking video game news, as well as reviewing game software. His current console favorite is the Xbox 360.
Josh Lowensohn

Earlier today Google unveiled some new and upcoming features being added to their Analytics service at the eMetrics Summit in Washington, D.C. Site owners will soon be getting a way to see what their users are searching for within the site, potentially making it easier for them to reorganize, or prioritize the what's on the page. Users will also have their choice of several third-party search tools that work with the new search analytics, along with Google Custom Search, Google Mini, and Google's enterprise search appliance.

The service is also rolling out a new "Events Tracking" section for keeping tabs on all sorts of user interaction including widgets, embedded movies, and outbound links--the links that take visitors off your site. The latter of which has been available for some time from services like CrazyEgg and MyBlogLog ClickTagging, but a welcome addition nonetheless. The other cool thing is that the new JavaScript code will update automatically with any additional features Google decides to add later on down the line.

Users of Urchin, the analytics platform Google purchased two years ago, will also be getting access to a new limited beta of the software. The service isn't aimed at consumers but lets businesses access metrics and analytics internally on their own servers using the same colorful interface.