About Brandt Dainow

I am passionate about web analytics.

I believe web analytics is essential for effective management of web sites.

I started my working life as a journalist and then moved into sales. I moved into computers in my late 20’s as a self-taught programmer, and then as a technical manager at Microsoft. Eventually I became a strategic consultant in The City of London, helping banks adopt new IT solutions.

I first saw the web in 1992 and the experience was electric - I knew instantly that this was going to change society. From that moment on I dedicated my career to helping organisations get the most from the web. Over the years I have worked as a web designer, programmer, educator and as a developer of new web standards. In the late 1990's I had a minor role in the development of XML and assisted a number of organisations in the adoption of XML technology, including the International Atomic Energy Commission, Ford, Microsoft and Unisys.

During the dot-com boom I worked as an investment analyst for venture capitalists evaluating business plans. It was during this time I became aware that none made adequate provision for assessing and improving performance. People had become very good at creating websites, but seemed to think that was the end of the process, rather than just the beginning. To me the key to success lay in what you did once the site was running. This required measurement, analysis, and appropriate response. Since then my focus has been on web analysis. I have developed a number of principles which I believe are fundamental to online success.

Remember the Basics

I believe in the basics. You're in business to make money. That means you need to take in more than you spend. This means your web site should have a positive return on investment. Unless you measure your activity, you can't possibly know whether it does or not. If you don't measure, you can't manage. Web analytics is simply measuring things on the web, analysing that information, and applying what you learn.

I think web analytics is the essential first step in managing your business on the web.

Passion for Emetrics

I know it's a dull field for most, but I find web analytics fascinating. This is because it is such a new field, and offers to teach us so much about what is really happening on the web. For example, web analytics has taught me most designers are underestimating how long people spend online and how many pages they read. We're learning the truth for the first time, and together we can use this information to improve the web.

Web Analytics for Everyone

Historically, web analytics has been restricted to a clever few. I don't believe that's the way of the future. I believe everyone can have affordable web analytics for their site. I believe that one day no one will consider having a business web site unless they have web analytics as a standard part of the process. I believe this is the way it should be.

Working Together

I am first and foremost a consultant, a communicator and an educator. This means I get satisfaction from helping others achieve their aims. I believe that this is a partnership. I don't pretend to know in advance everything we can discover about your site. Together we make a better online business for you.

Working Internationally

I currently have clients in the USA, UK and Ireland. I have worked with organisations in Australia, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. One of the great things about the internet is that people of like mind can find each other, no matter where they live, and work together for mutual benefit.

I am a founder and active supporter of the International Web Analytics Association, where I am actively involved with the development of standards, certifications, and education programs. I am associated with the University of British Colombia in Canada, having participated in the development of their Web Analytics course (which I strongly recommend).

Talk to Me

I encourage you to talk to me. No matter how big or small your problem, I may be able to help. Talking never hurts. We're all in this together.