WebSideStory Teaches Marketers How to Use Data

Analytics software provider WebSideStory has launched an educational program to help clients improve their online marketing efforts using data gleaned from its HBX service.

Digital Marketing University (DMU) is a training program covering material ranging from introductory Web analytics to advanced search engine marketing and visitor segmentation. It is based on the idea that various online marketing programs can be improved using data from a Web analytics product, which WebSideStory happens to provide.

“Every company offers product training to its customers. We’ve broadened it beyond product training, and beyond Web analytics to teach our customers how to use Web analytics to do their jobs better,” said Pelin Wood, WebSideStory’s new VP of product marketing, who has lead the DMU initiative since she was hired in November.

WebSideStory customers can sign up now for courses to be held at its San Diego headquarters during its April user forum. Later, the program will be expanded for non-customers. They can sign up in May for courses that begin in June, and Web-based courses are expected to launch by the end of the year. Pricing for the classes has not yet been determined.

Initial classes will include introductions to Web analytics and digital marketing, as well as in-depth training on HBX. Future classes will cover search engine marketing and optimization, affiliate programs, and conversion and content optimization. Classes will be taught by WebSideStory’s in-house experts as well as guest lecturers. Bryan Eisenberg, co-founder of marketing firm Future Now, will teach a course in improving online conversion rates.