Web Analytics India Blog

Although it took me long to continue the series but here’s the next in the Web Analytics Back to basic series.

Here’s what was covered in series before

1. Web Analytics Back to Basic Series - An Intro to the series
2. Web Analytics Terminology - An Intro to important Terms and metrics involved in Web Analytics
3. Web Analytics Technologies - A Overview of Web Analytics Technologies Used.

Key Performance Indicators - KPI

Definition:A KPI is a measure of an essential outcome of a particular activity.

The most important aspect of any performance indicator is relationship between the current and previous measurement. This ratio is what makes them key because then we know when to act upon them. All true KPIs drive action

Without Key Performance Indicators it can be an overwhelming task to share relevant and actionable data with various stakeholders within an organization.

The Second in the Web Analytics Back to basic series, is all about web analytics technologies. Do not forget to refer the first in the series which is about Web Analytics Terminology

Web analytics technologies

There are two main technological approaches to collecting web analytics data. The first method, logfile analysis, reads the logfiles in which the web server records all its transactions. The second method, page tagging, uses JavaScript on each page to notify a third-party server when a page is rendered by a web browser.

Web server logfile analysis: Web servers have always recorded all their transactions in a logfile.
*A server log is a file (or several files) automatically created and maintained by a server of activity performed by it.

The first in the Back to basic series is all about Web Analytics terminology. The common terms used on a day to day basis is the foundation of any web analyst. Web analytics terms can be sometimes tricky, understanding this will help you measure the right aspect of your site.

This might not be the “entire” list but i have tried to list in the important terms which might be handy. Listed below are also related terms which is encountered in web analyst profession.

While most of these terms/definitions come from Omniture Site Catalyst and Google Analytics. I would like to emphasize that it’s always a good practice to look into glossary of terms provided by the analytical solution one uses.

Feel free to leave your feedback/comment in case there’s something i missed out!

TRAFFIC RELATED

Web Analytics basics forms the foundation for any Web Analyst, In the midst of mega/giga bytes of data trying to make sense and to derive insights which help you take data driven decisions one has to have a strong web analytics foundation.

I’ve also posted earlier (originally from Web Analytics Pulse), on Web Analytics Industry experts view on What makes a good Web Analyst. So here’s kicking off the Back to Basic Series a unique Web Analytics Tutorial which will help you get started and ensure you build your Web Analytics Career on a strong foundation. So here’s the Topics to be covered under the Web Analytics Back to Basic Series

1) Web Analytics Terminology
2) Methods of tracking
3) Creation of KPIs
4) Web Analytics Tool Implementation
5) Conversion analysis
6) Referrer Analysis
7) Path Analysis / Drop off/Fall out Analysis
Multivariate Testing
9) A/B Tests
10) Communicating Results