I have an interesting perspective.  The majority of my professional career has been spent in web development and online marketing.  I had a short jog outside of this industry and during that time, Google Analytics became the dominant web analytics tool.  Boy, what a difference a little time and a great tool can make.  Google Analytics, in combination with their Authorized Consultants have redefined, reshaped and provided access to advanced analytics for any company that wants it...and oh yeah, Google Analytics is FREE!

Web Analytics- Start Somewhere, Go Everywhere

It's easy to get overwhelmed.  Web Analytics, CRM, Supply Chain Management, etc., etc., etc.  After working with many ... Read More

What is an advanced segment?

Advanced segmentation in GA is a functionality that allows you to further dissect your data and customize Google Analytics reports.  This can help you understand customers better by identifying how different types of visitors behave relevant to your goals.  For example, you may discover that visitors who purchase items on your website interact more with distinct types of content.  Advanced segments can help you to improve your business by identifying trends and patterns.

Why do you need to segment?

Sometimes, it is hard to find meaning in your data just by looking at the standard reports.   While GA does provide you with a few ... Read More

If you are still using setVar to populate a user-defined segment you should be aware that that function has been deprecated. It will still function as is, but any new features or functionality will be introduced using the Set Custom Variable code:

 pageTracker._setCustomVar(index, name, value, opt_scope)

The SetVar field used to be the only way to pass a custom value to segment with to Google Analytics. It served as a wildcard, allowing any value to pass into the default user defined field. Google has expanded upon this functionality by creating introducing custom variables and adding the following;

• 5 Slots for Fields. This allows you to segment by multiple custom field values. If you ...

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Social media-ites beware, Twitter search engine TweepMe.com (www.tweepme.com) has been suspended by Twitter, ending the wait for Twitter to begin a crackdown on use and potential abuse.

While it's not quite looking like an Iranian media blackout attempt, Twitter certainly weilds the power, and arguably the right, to manage the usage of their API's as they have been overwhelmed with incredible traffic to date.

We'll post some reccomendations on a TweepMe alternative search engine shortly.
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I recently homage and a visit to the Toys R' Us in Times Square in New York City.  I heard an awful lot of "because I want it" through the din as only kids can.  It was said so emphatically and with such conviction, but is of course followed with little to no reason supporting it. 

This reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend who was thinking of becoming an online marketing client, regarding SEO keyword selection.  Not particularly the child like tantrum part, but more the statement of "need" with limited planning and reason behind it.

... Read More