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How do I Become a Web Analyst?

Rachel Burkot
Rachel Burkot

A web analyst is someone who has a thorough understanding of internet technology and the best methods and tactics for driving visitors to a website. With so much focus on online activity, more companies are establishing an online presence. These companies need successful, driven web analysts to help them make the most of their online presence and activity. To become a web analyst, there is no specific career path or coursework. The person who wishes to become a web analyst should be proactive and approach companies where his or her services may be of value.

It’s important for a web analyst to be a self-starter. To become a web analyst, a person must be goal-oriented and task-focused. This is because a web analyst career requires looking at projects as series of tasks from start to finish, with an end goal in mind from the beginning. Web analysts should also be in tune with the latest technological trends and developments, have a basic understanding of or desire to learn business strategies, be good presenters, have enthusiasm for data, be constantly looking for ways to improve things and always be willing to go the extra mile to analyze the data rather than just report it.

Web analysts look at what kinds of website issues cause people to get frustrated while online.
Web analysts look at what kinds of website issues cause people to get frustrated while online.

To become a web analyst, there is no requirement for formal education. Web analysts should, however, excel in such subjects as math (especially statistics), information technology and business. Many web analyst jobs do not require an analytic or technical background. Finding a mentor with a web analyst or information systems career would be a great route for the person who wishes to become a web analyst.

A web analyst may be responsible for recommending changes on a company's website and should have a basic understanding of internet marketing strategies.
A web analyst may be responsible for recommending changes on a company's website and should have a basic understanding of internet marketing strategies.

A web analyst job requires such duties as understanding user intent on the internet, analyzing several components of a website, recommending changes on a company’s site, understanding the business objectives of a company and designing or reorganizing a website around those goals, building a framework for meeting goals, verifying numbers and running tests based on numbers and experiments. To perform this type of job, a person who wishes to become a web analyst should have a basic understanding of internet marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), understand web technologies, have advanced Microsoft Excel skills and be familiar with website design and page layout. Web analyst salaries vary by country, but after three to four years in the industry, the web analyst can expect to earn a comparable salary to a mid-level manager.

To get experience, look for a position with a web analytics team where you can observe, learn and offer your services as you gain more knowledge in the field. Working with a small, established company can be beneficial because the wealth of information available can surpass that of a larger company with many different projects and clients. For additional strategies on how to become a web analyst, there are books, blogs, message boards, conferences, courses and groups such as the Web Analytics Association (WAA), all at easy access.

Discussion Comments

adamsmith111

Thanks for giving valuable tips and ideas for what I can do as a web analyst.

anon241739

I only have a grade 9 education and I am a self taught computer tech. Formal education is great, but you will only learn what they teach you and there is so much more out there. --jeff

irinatata

This is very sad - "To become a web analyst, there is no requirement for formal education". How about becoming a brain surgeon without formal education? Just some understanding of brain intent and knowledge of several parts of human body? I mean you can take a knife and open the brain. Are you sure it will start to function better if you do not have a formal education?

I wonder what would other professional web analysts say, especially those who do have formal education and years of experience apart from "understanding," and also members of this "group" - WAA? --Web Analyst with formal education.

anon56456

This is a very interesting post. I'll have to have a little re-think about my own contact form on our new website, as this poses some interesting questions! IT solution

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    • Web analysts look at what kinds of website issues cause people to get frustrated while online.
      By: xalanx
      Web analysts look at what kinds of website issues cause people to get frustrated while online.
    • A web analyst may be responsible for recommending changes on a company's website and should have a basic understanding of internet marketing strategies.
      By: Yves Damin
      A web analyst may be responsible for recommending changes on a company's website and should have a basic understanding of internet marketing strategies.