Issue:

Can the usage of Web site analysis tools be a waste of time and resources?

Response:

Web site analysis tools provide valuable insights into how site visitors like prospects, clients, partners or suppliers are using your Web site. However, exploiting the data of Web site analysis is time and resource intensive and calls for ongoing actions such as typically improving navigation structure or cross-linking pages. Only Companies with allocated budget for continuous site improvements, measurable Web site objectives and dedicated Web resources (not just IT staff that updates the Web site occasionally) should use Web site analysis tools to gain more insights and understand site visitors’ behavior (see PracticeByte, “Common Mistakes: Start Using Web Site Analysis Tools”, Nicolas Bürki).

Companies that operate Web sites

§         on a - me too - basis with typically no executive support or no or low dedicated Web budget should not perform Web site analysis. Measurement is only valuable, if the findings result in corrective actions (which involves budget or resources). Instead of wasting time to exploit Web site analysis data, eBusiness managers should first ensure executive support to allocate additional budget and resources (read PracticeByte, “Is your Web Site Damaging Your Company Brand”, Steve Telleen).

§         with no measurable Web site objectives, should first define measurable business objectives (if you didn’t define site objectives, you can not prove how the site contributes to the business). eBusiness managers need to go out to their business colleagues (at least marketing, sales, support, finance and human resources) to start defining measurable  and specific site objectives (read PracticeByte, “Who Should Set Web Business Objectives”, Steve Telleen). After commonly agreeing on Web site objectives, executive management is more willing to allocate budget and resources due to the proven business contribution of the Web site (see PracticeByte, “Business Value – The Touchstone of Web Site Improvements”, Steve Telleen).

PracticeFlash is a new format of effinfo research on a trial basis (read announcement). We appreciate your feedback about our latest initiative to render it effective and pragmatic for you.

Discover how we can help you to leverage the benefits of Web Site Analysis.

Nicolas Bürki, senior advisor / founder of effinfo a European Web-research advisory company.