It is the third week of January 2023, and Google decided it is time for the dusk of Google Optimize and Optimize 360. It means the website testing and personalization features will no longer be available after 30 September 2023.
But before going into details, let’s understand the concept of Optimize and Optimize 360.
Google Optimize
Google Optimize is a free website optimization tool that allows businesses to conduct A/B and multivariate testing on their website to improve user experience and conversion rates. It integrates with Google Analytics to provide real-time data and insights on visitor behavior and can be used to test changes to headlines, images, and other elements of a website.
Google Optimize 360
Google Optimize 360 is a paid version of Google Optimize that includes additional features such as personalized experiences, integration with Google Tag Manager, and advanced reporting capabilities. It also includes access to customer support and a dedicated account manager.
In addition, Google Optimize 360 can do more complex testing and personalization, such as multivariate testing, server-side testing, and cross-domain testing. It has additional integrations with other Google marketing tools, such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Google Tag Manager.
Google Analytics 4
Launched on October 14, 2020, Google Analytics 4 became the new universal analytics. With constant updates in GA4, Google has always thought of the future and enhancing user experience.
The latest Google Analytics 4 update was on 10 January 2023, with new e-commerce dimensions and metrics. As stated by Google, the GA4 now offers item-scoped and event-scoped versions of all e-commerce metrics to help businesses analyze all the important e-commerce interactions.
The item-scoped dimensions will give an item count, whereas the event-scoped dimensions will give a count of purchase events.
Why did Google decide to Shut Down Optimize?
They have decided to continue improving the customer experience for all business types and investigate further A/B testing. The Optimize solutions, as of now, do not have the experimentation features and Google has decided to add just that in GA4.
Google also advises users to download all the historical data before September 30 via Export your Optimize Report Data. The information would not be available after the Optimize sunset.
Contract Renewal of Google Optimize
All those who want to renew the Google Analytics 360 contract can do so before September 30, but the contract will automatically terminate on September 30, 2023.
However, those with Google Analytics 4 contracts are not eligible for Optimize 360 contracts. Although, they can access the features through GA4 integration.
Besides, all the users who have Google Optimize 360 contracts valid past September 30, 2023, will terminate on the said date.
Some marketers have shown their dismay at the Google Optimize changes. Greg Finn, Director of Marketing for Cypress North, expressed his views on Twitter on January 23, 2023.
What does it mean?
It is a matter of time before we see the results of the Google Optimize changes and what benefits it will bring for businesses. Despite some saddened users, people are excited to see the changes Google Analytics brings to conversion rate optimization (CRO) tools.
If you have questions regarding CRO tools or just looking to enhance your website conversion rates, contact Digital Kangaroos, one of the leading web development and digital marketing agencies in Ludhiana.
Stay tuned for more latest updates!