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Get involved in the web analytics community

The Analysis Exchange

The award-winning Analysis Exchange was founded by Eric Peterson and John Lovett of Web Analytics Demystified in an effort to provide much sought-after experience in web analysis to those starting out in the industry – or those who simply wish to refresh their skills.  Wendy Greco is the Executive Director of the Analysis Exchange – watch her introductory video here.

Students work with a mentor and hone their skills while analysing the site of a non-profit organisation.  And the best part?  It’s all completely free.

Useful links:

The Web Analytics Association (WAA)

The WAA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting a global understanding of web analytics.  For the WAA to truly represent our industry, active participation is needed – and that is where you come in.  Be part of an association working on research, best practices and certification – make sure your voice is heard.

As part of your WAA membership, you are entitled to discounts on the certification exam, relevant courses at the University of British Colombia and various networking events.

Useful links:

Web Analytics Wednesdays

Web Analytics Wednesdays (WAWs) are community events in your area.  If your area doesn’t have one, why not start one?  WAW is one of the most popular social networking events in the digital measurement community.  They are organised by local hosts and sponsors and can range from a few people to a large event.  Learn more here.

Education

There is a growing number of resources for furthering your web analytics education.  Have a look at this page compiled by Jim Sterne for a great list of courses, videos, posts and more.

Certification

The Web Analytics Association has been providing web analysts with a professional accreditation since 2010.  Becoming a Certified Web Analyst involves proving your knowledge and competency in the field of web analytics through a proctored examination.  Once the certification has been attained, it must be maintained by providing the WAA with proof of ongoing self-development.  Click here to see further information, sample questions and apply to do the exam.

Books

One good way to get involved in the community is to pick up some industry favourites and then talk about them, blog about them, tweet about them.  It’s a great way to get feedback, to learn, and quite often, to begin a conversation with the author.

Suggested titles (in no particular order):

For more suggestions, take a look at Jojoba’s must-read list here

Twitter

Twitter is a great place to get involved in the web analytics community.  If I was to list those I’d recommend following, we’d be here all day, so I will refrain from that and instead encourage you to watch the #measure hashtag.  Ask questions, get talking, follow conversations and find out whose voice you want to hear in the web analytics space.

If you’re new to Twitter, here’s a beginner’s guide

Tools

I won’t apologise for having a bias towards Yahoo! Web Analytics, but I will also happily acknowledge that there are other great web analytics tools out there.  Get to know about them, and if you can get access, try them out.

Web Analytics is not about the tool you use, but it helps to know what those in the community are using:

Some web analytics solutions (in no particular order):

For a great breakdown of web analytics tools, read Avinash Kaushik‘s blog post here

Conferences

I’ve only attended eMetrics thus far (and I highly recommend it), but I know many who swear by the conferences below as a fantastic resource for networking and learning.  These are some of the ones I seeth with envy over:

Jobs

Specialising in jobs in the web analytics industy, IQWorkforce is a great place to start if you’re looking for employment.  While you’re at it, stay a while and look around the IQWorkforce site – they have a great blog and other resources.
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