Web Analytics

Web traffic analysis — using Omniture SiteCatalyst, Webtrends, Google Analytics, and other software — competitive benchmarking, and split testing help Empirical Path prove what's working and fix what's not.  Keep reading for services and project capsules that illustrate our approach to web analytics, and contact us to discuss how you can measure and optimize your website.

Project Capsule: Split Test | University


Empirical Path consultants designed and executed an A/B split test using Google Website Optimizer for a major research university to encourage visitors to register and pay for courses online.  Analyzed Google Analytics Conversion Funnel to diagnose the initial PPC landing page as the best opportunity to boost conversions.  Recommended new copy, placement, and appearance for the key call-to-action on that page.  Proved a nearly 300% increase in click-through rate to the course search page by splitting traffic between the original and revised landing pages.  Read the full case study.

Project Capsule: Business Publisher


Empirical Path consultants audited the Google Analytics implementation of a financial and technology news publisher to enhance how visitor behavior was captured and communicated to decision-makers.  Tested a dozen website goals to ensure that conversions were tracked and recommended Events and URL query parameters to fix untracked goals.  Designed a campaign tagging approach to allow deeper analysis of company-initiated efforts and separation from user-generated referrals.  Launched regular narrative to interpret and recommend ways to improve website results.  Read the full case study.

Project Capsule: Consumer Packaged Goods


Empirical Path consultants recommended refinements to websites and campaigns for numerous CPG clients of a traditional advertising agency.  Established tracking of AdWords and other online campaigns, then designed and delivered regular reports to update management on campaign and website performance.  Captured referrals to online retail partners from Flash website and created visitor segments for further analysis based on preferred retailer type.  Merged Google Analytics data with coupon download and redemption data to measure success.

Project Capsule: Credit Card Issuer


Empirical Path consultants created the web measurement strategy for the credit card acquisition business of major bank on behalf of an interactive agency.  Recommended specific features and tiers of WebTrends and TeaLeaf software to meet and exceed client business requirements, including detailed visibility into the online conversion funnel.  Planned implementation process to ensure availability of metrics by client deadlines.  Created Key Performance Indicators to guide report and dashboard creation based on client interviews and industry best practices.

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Empirical Path's Market Research Practice is led by Peter Howley, a seasoned consultant, entrepreneur, and manager.  Howley has advised diverse companies, from household names to startups, in publishing, television, not-for-profit, and technology.

Howley developed Empirical Path’s data-driven approach at Bain & Company and Harvard Business School.  He started the Research and Analysis practice at Washington, DC social marketing agency Noral Group International.

Howley led alliance development and market research at washingtonpost.com and Newsweek.com, then headed marketing effectiveness products at the largest online ad network.

Contact Peter Howley at (505) 856-6131 or via email.

Empirical Path's Web Analytics Practice is led by Jim Snyder, a veteran of web publishing and technology.  A certified Google Analytics expert, Snyder has led implementation, configuration, and analysis projects for publishers and marketers in Silicon Alley and Silicon Valley.

Snyder built his deep experience in web analytics, content, and marketing in production and research roles with Weather.com, Yale University, and Georgia Tech; he also holds an MBA from the Georgia Tech College of Management.

Snyder began his web publishing career as part of the launch team for CNN.com.  His technical skills include SQL, SPSS, Oracle, SQL Server, PHP, and Java.

Contact Jim Snyder at (203) 804-4509 or via email.