On Analytics

The field of website analytics is certainly heating up.

The funny thing about this is that nearly every hosting package (including the ones we offer) includes some form of web statistics. And we’ve used those for a long time, they work pretty well.

We’ve also tried Mint which gives statistics in a really comprehensive, single-page view. It really appeals to the designers in us. At only $30 per website, it’s a pretty good deal.

There’s also been a great deal of noise about Measure Map, currently in limited beta testing. We have just been given a test account, so we will probably write more about this service in the coming week or two.

And then there’s the 800-pound gorilla, the freshly-launched Google Analytics which is really just the incredible Urchin software rebranded (they were purchased by Google earlier this year). What’s particularly interesting to me is that they have integrated their Analytics system with AdWords, to give you a powerful way to track your traffic and your ad conversion rates. Did I mention that they are offering it for free?

I think the profusion of offerings in this category is going to have a noticeable effect on the Web over the next few years. Being able to see with such detail what drives visitors to your site makes a huge difference in what you choose to offer. It sure beats the Nielsen Ratings.

Raymond Brigleb

Creative Director, dreamer, partner, father, musician, photographer. Has been known to ride the rails. Pulls one heck of a shot.