Google Analytics is an excellent way to track and analyze on-site traffic.  However, the UI for Goggle Analytics is not mobile optimized, which presents challenges for those who need to see updates on their mobile device.  The Google Analytics Software Design Kit (SDK) and corresponding Application Programming Interface (API) rectify the issue by allowing developers to create their own Apps.  Thankfully, there are several well-built, fast and intuitive Apps available.  I will focus this blog on the App universe for Android powered devices.  While I am inclined to frugality (some might argue parsimony), this blog will present what, in my estimation, are the best available free and paid Android Apps. (more…)

The advent of Google Analytics 5 in the first quarter of 2011 ushered in several new features that are improvements over the existing Google Analytics package.  We are excited about the update and have chosen to write a summary of the improvements we find the most compelling and valuable. (more…)

We have already mentioned the necessity of being able to properly monitor and analyze your social media marketing efforts.  Given this need, it probably comes as no surprise that there are already a plethora of tools available to help you in this very area.  In fact, last we heard there are well over 200 different vendors offering some sort of monitoring and analytics tool in relation to social media.  (more…)

When does it make sense to use and pay for Omniture SiteCatalyst versus using the Google Analytics free solution?  The fact of the matter is there are many scenarios in which a detailed Cost Benefit Analysis may dictate that Omniture is the most cost effective solution.  Many of the scenarios would be unique to an industry, organization, or a specific website.  In this blog we’re going to discuss a few blanket scenarios where in most cases Omniture SiteCatalyst ends up being the most cost effective solution regardless of your unique situation. (more…)

While the economy might be showing signs of life, companies are still looking for areas to remove inefficiencies and, in the end, to reduce the cost of digital marketing efforts.  Today, we’ll show you some specific areas to look for wasted funds to help you run the most profitable marketing program possible. (more…)

A national chain of hotels came to us asking for advice on how to improve their PPC program. When we took a look, we almost immediately discovered a serious flaw: they had poured a significant amount of money into their PPC campaign without ever stopping to seriously consider where most of their visitors were coming from. Had they been utilizing Advanced Segments, a tool that was added to Google Analytics within the last several years, they would have found this information extremely easy to obtain and could have targeted their advertising to the areas with the highest chance of success. (more…)

I would consider that question analogous to “Why is a ruler so important to a carpenter?” You might be able to eyeball four chair legs to within a centimeter without measuring them, and the chair will function. It may even temporarily hold you while it wobbles a little. However, after repeated use one of the legs is sure to come loose (Don’t you wish you took the extra time to measure what you were doing in the first place?). (more…)

For years, MSN adCenter tracking has been a bane to my existence. A large portion of that has been due to the gross inaccuracy of the numbers (somewhat improved with their spring update).  And a larger portion has been due to the fact that, even when we ignore the inaccuracy, we still have to deal with the fact that a very key metric is missing. Really MSN, you want us to run an eComm campaign without being able to report revenue? (more…)