30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page v Web Analytics An Hour a Day Avinash Kaushik Wiley Publishing,Inc. 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page iv 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page i Advance Praise Avinash makes the complex, simple. He makes the futile, useful. He makes the dull, alive. You could make this the best hour a day learning what is and isn’t happening in your online business. —BRYANEISENBERG, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Call to Action& Waiting For Your Cat to Bark Avinash Kaushik is without a doubt one of the most articulate, bright, and passionate people working in the web analytics industry today. His weblog, Occam’s Razor, is a must-read for anyone trying to make heads or tails of their investment in web analytics, search, or Internet marketing and I have no doubt that Web Analytics: An Hour a Daywill be a valuable addition to the existing body of knowledge on the subject of web site measurement. While I was person- ally surprised at the hugely positive response to my first book on the subject, Web Analytics Demystified, I have no doubt that Web Analytics: An Hour a Daywill immediately become another “must read” for anyone concerned about the success of their web site. —ERICT. PETERSON,author of Web Analytics Demystified and Web Site Measurement Hacks A great book to cover all you need to know about web analytics: inside out. Beyond the pure technical aspects, the book also covers organization issues around web analytics, from recruiting to scaling up your efforts to meet business require- ments. In a nutshell, a complete guide to the art and science of web analytics, from one of the best experts in the field; both beginners as well as practitioners will for sure learn and expand their thinking. If you know Avinash and his well-known blog, his book is for sure a must read! Enjoy! —LAURENTFLORÈS, PHD, FOUNDER& CEO, CRMMETRIX INC. Avinash’s explanation of how web analytics really works is a salutary reminder that the products are just a way to a means, not the ultimate solution. Getting real value for money out of a web analytics project comes from the brain, not the tools used. This book will help your brain map the right connections in order to reap the benefits of web analytics. Avinash’s writings are visionary and yet hands on, for both newbies as well as seasoned practitioners. If you are serious about web analytics this is a MUST READ. —AURÉLIEPOLS, Manager, Web Analytics Team, OX2 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page ii Avinash Kaushik writes about web analytics in a clear, absorbing, and insightful way. Web Analytics: An Hour a Dayis an essential source for beginners and advanced users, presenting basic terminology and sophisticated practices. The book is structured as a series of conversations, which makes for a pleasant read- ing. Avinash’s book contains tricks of the trade that teach professionals what to measure and how to do it. Most important, it teaches how to turn data into actionable insights. This is a great guide through the web analytics journey! —DANIELWAISBERG, Web Analyst, esnips.com 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page iii Web Analytics 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page iv 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page v Web Analytics An Hour a Day Avinash Kaushik Wiley Publishing,Inc. 30652ffirs.qxd 5/1/07 12:47 PM Page vi Acquisitions Editor: WILLEMKNIBBE Development Editor: CANDACEENGLISH Production Editor: SARAHGROFF-PALERMO Copy Editor: SHARONWILKEY Production Manager: TIMTATE Vice President and Executive Group Publisher: RICHARDSWADLEY Vice President and Executive Publisher: JOSEPHB. 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