WAA Scotland Launch Press Resease

This month sees the Web Analytics Association (WAA) launch in Scotland. Founded in February 2005 in the USA, the WAA is the worldwide professional body for those working in the web analytics industry and is dedicated to promoting the understanding of web analytics and developing the interests of those involved in measuring the success of online business initiatives.

Scotland co-ordinator for the WAA, Vicky Brock of Highland Business Research, says, "Ninety eight per cent of large businesses in the UK now have a website. The result of this is an emerging group of people working to analyse how effective these websites are, understand visitor behaviour and ensure those businesses are getting the best return from their web investment."

Web analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of Internet data for the purposes of understanding and optimizing Web usage. It is a fast growing industry, with the UK sector expected to grow by 25% in 2005.

Vicky Brock continues, "Web analytics is a very young industry in Scotland and the WAA provides an excellent opportunity for members to develop their skills and to aide organisations to become increasingly effective online."

Jim Sterne, President of the WAA states; "We're creating a collaborative environment to help this industry achieve the success and recognition it deserves and it is fantastic that Scotland is taking an active part in that.

"More than ever before, marketers are required to justify expenditure based on results. Since the web is a great medium for measurability and optimisation, it’s no wonder that marketers are drawn to the online world.

"But many organisations still don’t realize the value of web analytics or aren’t in a position to take action. The WAA sets out to promote issues like education, advocacy and standards to strengthen and stabilize the growing web analytics industry."

Vicky Brock adds, "The Scotland Group of the WAA will provide members with opportunities to network and enjoy brainstorming and problem solving with colleagues in the same industry. They’ll also have the chance to be involved in defining best practices, share learning from WAA members throughout the world and develop a national body of web analytics knowledge."

The Scotland Group of the WAA will hold its first meeting in Edinburgh on Monday 28 November, 6.15pm - 8.30pm. The meeting is open to all those working with web analytics in some form and provides an opportunity to network and find out more about the WAA. This event has been sponsored by Scottish Enterprise and will be held at: Apex House, 99 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD – for more information visit http://www.webanalyticsassociation.org/en/cev/?31

Future WAA activity in Scotland will not be limited to Edinburgh, with events also planned in Glasgow and Inverness. For more information about the WAA in Scotland contact Vicky Brock at vicky@highlandbusinessresearch.com.