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I am implementing a web analytics solution for obvious tracking reasons. I am interested in using some software tools or services to gather business intelligence on the industry, marketplace, and our competition.
To start things out, I am looking to go with WebSideStory or Coremetrics. Has anyone had experience with either of these? Can anyone provide me with any details?
I was also approached by Hitwise. They are saying that they can help us. Has anyone used the services from Hitwise? What were your experiences?
Are there any other types of software solutions or services that may help compliment the tools that I am going to have from WebSideStory or CoreMetrics?
We recently transitioned from WebSideStory to CoreMetrics. WebSideStory was not providing us with a lot of information we wanted, their numbers rarely even came close to our internal sales numbers, and the support can best be summed with as apathetic. This was our experience, others may vary.
After implementing CoreMetrics, our biggest surprise was that they don't offer real-time statistics, only showing information as recent as yesterday. When we brought this up as a major concern, they offered update the info more often. There was also some info we has from WebSideStory that CoreMetrics didn't provide, and they are creating custom reports to get us this info. They are definitely going to extra mile to appease us, but we felt deceived by the initial presentations.
Make of list of everything you need from an analytics company. Then make a list of everything you want. Then make sure you get confirmation, in writing, that they can provide everything you want and need. Finally, it's always a good idea to have an out-clause in case you're not happy.
Chad
Thanks for the insight. We are still going thru the vendor selection process. I will definately use this info.
Do you guys use any other software or services to help with competitive intelligence?
We were approached by HitWise. I am not sure if they are the best, or exactly what they bring as value. They do offer a solution similar to WordTracker, but HitWise wants 8-10 times more money per month. I am not sure that I see the value.
-ThePhoenix
Chad
-ThePhoenix
Regarding Coremetrics, one thing that makes Coremetrics worthwhile is the ability to generate email lists, based on individuals' behaviors on your site. Coremetrics has the ability to keep email addresses attached to site behavior and if you are into targeted emails it's worth its weight in gold. This capability is sometimes overlooked in their sales presentations, believe it or not.
I have to say that I'm not sure whether HitBox can do the same thing. I don't think so. I don't know about any of the other big players either. But Coremetrics has had this capability for many years.
What i'm really looking for is a soluion that will show me user paths off of specific keywords.
i enjoyed 'Web Log Explorer 3.0' until my log files out grew the software.
If your an ecom site then hitwise is a good way to look at demand for keywords=products. Say you're selling games consoles. You can look at the trend from keywords like "Wii" and make pricing and marketing decisions based on that.
I am pleased to hear that I'm not the only one that finds that hitwise provides a myriad of "interesting" information. So, one word of caution with regards to hitwise: You must decide yourself whether you will actually use this information to increase your profits, otherwise hitwise is not worth the money. We are not renewing our contract with hitwise. Simply because we do not have the resources/time to fully utilise the information. Which makes hitwise a bad investment for us.
Regarding analytics software, WebTrends has been working for me for the last two years. Highly customizable, but you need to know what your doing to get accurate information out of it.
Started using Google Analytics right from the start. I have to say Google A is great. I use it every day. And it's free.
WT provides service for $50 per month or $260 per year. HitWise wants $190 per month.
How much better can HitWise be?
That's exactly what I told hitwise when it came to renewing my contract. Fact is that you can get all the info you need from SEOTools, WordTracker, Alexa etc. for a lot, LOT!, less money. I admit, hitwise data is comprehensive and well presented, but paying £15,000 per annum is just not justifiable for a lot of businesses.
They acquired WebPosition last year and integrated this into their Pro Suite now, haven't implemented that piece yet though.
