Archive for the ‘web apps’ Category

Things Learned at 37 Signals

Posted by Eric on September 18, 2008  |   No Comments »

Just started reading through an excerpt from a talk given by Jason Fried  (founder and partner at 37Signals).  In case you don’t know, 37signals is the web software company that has made some incredible web applications like: basecamp, highrise, ta-da list, writeboard – really like a ton of great stuff.

They’ve talked about how they did it and how they did it different than most other companies.

 

Here’s a link to the article:

http://www.krisjordan.com/2008/09/17/jason-fried-10-things-weve-learned-at-37signals/

A few of the points he makes:
  1. Interruption is the enemy of productivity
  2. Always be Questioning
  3. Work less (my favorite)
He also has a bunch of other great options…
Check it out….

SEO and Analytics and Avinash

Posted by Eric on September 18, 2008  |   No Comments »

I’ve been reading a book by Avinash Kaushik called Web Analytics An Hour A Day (website / blog link) lately.  

I am also thrilled about being able to work with The TQM Network (website) to do a video interview with Avinash.  As you might know, The TQM Network is in the business of helping companies and individuals share best practices, ideas, insights, and more in order to grow together.

Together, we are doing a video interview with Avinash and would love to have input from all of you about what we should ask him.  Simply click on the contact us tab and give me your thoughts.

Another Survey?

Posted by Eric on August 15, 2008  |   No Comments »

While listening to Avinash Kaushik on JMP’s podcast (www.jmp.com), I heard about 4Q – a very simple (and free) suvey tool to start to gather some information from you site visitors.

You sign up to use the service, make some basic customizations, upload your logo and voila – you are ready to go.

I’ve got it instlalled on this site.  About 30% of you should get an invitation.  30% of those who visit the site will be presented with an overlay that says they have been picked to answer a very simple 4 question survey (hence the name 4Q) about their experience with this site.  If they agree, a new window opens up at the bottom of the screen ready for them to answer once they are done at the site.

I haven’t had the service installed for any time yet, so I have no idea about how effective it is.  But, we’ll see.  According to Avinash, something simple like this is a great way to gather data. 

Typically when we think about analytics, things like muti-variant testing, A/B Comparisons, Regressions and all other sorts of complicated statistical things pop into our minds.  But, by simply asking people visiting our site - 

1.  Why did you visit our site

2.  Were you able to accomplish your purpose

3.  Why not (if no)

By simply asking people answers to these questions, we can figure out a tons of information.

It looks like a great service.  I’ll keep you up to date on what I find out.

Web Analytics?

Posted by Eric on August 13, 2008  |   No Comments »

Just watched this video on FastCompany.tv:

fastcompany.tv/

Made me think a whole lot more about how I use – or better yet – fail to use a simple free Analytics systems – Google Analytics.  This simple and free program gives me the ability to know a ton about who is visiting, what pages they are visiting, how long they stay, what links they click on, etc.

It’s really a great tool.  I simply don’t pay enough attention to it.