Misleading Analytics Sure Feel Good

According to Google Analytics, one of the websites I’m involved with has a 105,200.00% increase in visits. I imagine the meeting at Google went something like this:

Q: Should we just leave % Change blank until after 30 days of data?
A: Nah, it will make people feel good to see a really huge, albeit inaccurate number for the first month.

It’s true, I do feel like a champ every time I see that stat. Even though I know it will plummet once it becomes meaningful.

So on day 32 when my % Change drops by 104,195.00% – Should I expect to see one of those $100 of free AdWords offers? Timing is everything.