Seasonal trend data

Looking for a source of data, for use in benchmarking/business planning

[21_blue]

Can anyone point me towards any sources of seasonal trends for internet usage and advertising revenue, for different internet market segments.

I'm particularly interested in hard data that provides seasonal fluctuations in:
- private vs business use
- UK vs US/Canada vs Australia
- Adsense changes (CPC, overall revenue, etc.).

The aim of getting this data is:
(a) to benchmark our own site statistics, in context of the fluctuations in differing markets
(b) to support the business planning process by more accurately evaluating the impact of changes we make to our site and projecting the future impact of those changes

Thanks in advance

[Sweet Cognac]

As far as I know, Google is the only one with this information.

For us, it's all a big guessing game. You build a website and it develops it's own history over time.

Maybe someone can help you in the Marketing - Advertising forum.

[21_blue]

If Google is the only source (and presumably they are not likely to share that type of data) then I wonder if there is any interest in establishing a data exchange club (as far as the Adsense T&C will allow)?

This would involve finding or establishing someone or an organisation who (for a fee) takes summary data from members of the club, holds it in confidence, and then produces a summary report, for club members only, on a regular basis.

This type of arrangement operates well in some other industries, though for obvious reasons it is important that the data collection organisation is respected and seen as trustworthy.

Perhaps there is a business opportunity here for someone inclined to fill the void.

[Sweet Cognac]

I'm sure there are already organizations like this. But they come in the form of what they call "networks."

Say for instance you attend a PubCon and meet others at the conference that are interested in sharing information with you. They invite you to join their network.