A monthly survey conducted by Practical eCommerce polled readers about the importance and trustworthiness of Google products.
The May 2010 survey asked four questions about Google products, with a comment section for each response. Readers who completed the survey, and then provided us with their names and email addresses, were automatically entered in a contest to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate. The May contest winner is Anssi Ruohtula with Crema, a Finland-based coffee retailer.
Which Google products are used most regularly?
When asked what Google products were used on a regular basis, respondents were encouraged to check all products that applied to their businesses. “Analytics” edged out “Gmail” by a slim 5.8 percent, receiving an 81.2 percent response.
Other Google products not included in our survey that were mentioned in respondents’ comments include “Google Docs,” “Google Places” and “Google Merchant Center.” One respondent said, “Blogger and Google Analytics are great free tools to work with. With the help of Analytics, we can create our suitable strategy…to target a quality audience.”
Which Google products are valuable to you?
When asked what three products were most valuable to them, 76.8 percent of respondents chose “Analytics,” while “AdWords” came in at a close second with 62.3 percent and “Webmaster Tools” followed with 42 percent.
Some respondents requested that we include “Google Maps,” “Merchant Center,” and even the “Search” function in our survey. One respondent also said, “According to most newsletters I get, all of these are important….”
Do you trust Google?
When asked how much trust respondents had in Google’s handling of their information, 58 percent voted that they trusted Google “Somewhat.” Thirty-six and two-tenths percent of respondents voted that they “Completely” trusted Google with all their information. Four and three-tenths percent of respondents do not trust Google at all with information, and 1.4 percent of respondents simply said, “I don’t know.” One respondent even said, “I know they have a ’don’t be evil’ policy and I assume they’re using my data to develop products and make more money – which is fine as long as I’m kept anonymous.”
Who are the respondents?
When respondents were asked how they would represent themselves, 52.2 percent said they would identify as an “Ecommerce company.” 18.8 percent were “Developers, Designers or Programmers” and 4.3 percent identified as “Software, SaaS or other vendor to ecommerce merchants.” Twenty-four and two-thirds percent of respondents simply indentified as “Other.”
Take the June 2010 Survey
The purpose of the monthly Practical eCommerce surveys is to learn what is on the minds of our readers. The June 2010 survey asks readers about themselves and their businesses. Click here to take the June 2010 survey and to register to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.