Best of 2007: Web Analytics

You've heard it a million times: "You can't manage what you can't measure." One of the most appealing aspects of online marketing is the ability to test and measure virtually anything, in detail and with great precision. But which metrics are really important? And how can you most effectively use web analytics to make productive changes?

Here are some of the best articles and blog posts from 2007 on optimizing the use of web analytics.

Practical Guide to Website Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) by Search Engine Journal

Writer Julie Mason details the key website performance indicators that "help you measure the effectiveness of your website with quantifiable and actionable results," including page views per visit, visits per lead and cost per lead.

Bloggers Ponder Google’s RSS Syndication Stats by MediaPost Online Spin

Following Google's acquisition of Feedburner, Max Kalehoff ponders the importance of the "reach" metric for bloggers. Personally, I'm skeptical. "For all the self-conscious bloggers addicted to their site and reader analytics — including those seeking to monetize through advertising — reach is sure to become one of the more scrutinized metrics." No, the only metric that really matters to "those seeking to monetize through advertising" is revenue.

How To Use Site Statistics Effectively by Performancing

Ryan Caldwell provides an interesting post advising bloggers and interactive marketers to "focus on active stats"—measures that can be directly affected—such as monitoring traffic sources, search referrals and key phrase referrals.

Does Your Web Site Need a Workout? by Search Engine Guide

The gratuitously repulsive opening paragraph aside, Kalena Jordan provides an excellent post on how to increase website traffic and revenue. After asking "Is your web site working hard enough for you?," Jordan supplies a 20-point website "fitness assessment" to help answer the question.

Outing The Heavy Clickers by MediaPost Online Spin

Dave Morgan gets to the bottom of click-through rate fascination. "Ninety-nine percent of Web users do not click on ads on a monthly basis. Of the 1% that do, most only click once a month. Less than two tenths of one percent click more often. That tiny percentage makes up the vast majority of banner ad clicks." Who are these "heavy clickers"? Read Dave's post to find out.

Previous articles in this series:

Best of 2007: SEO Analysis Tools
Best of 2007: SEO Keyword Research Tools
Best of 2007: News Articles on Social Media Marketing
Best of 2007: Blog Posts on Social Media Marketing
Best of 2007: Articles and Blog Posts on SEM
Best of 2007: Articles and Blog Posts on Google AdWords
Best of 2007: Articles and Blog Posts on SEO (Part 1)
Best of 2007: Articles and Blog Posts on SEO (Part 2)
Best of 2007: Website Design
Best of 2007: Blogging for Business
Best of 2007: Marketing Research
Best of 2007: Interactive PR
Best of 2007: SEO Copywriting
Best of 2007: Strategy and Branding

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Contact Tom Pick: tomATwebmarketcentralDOTcom

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All Time Greats

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