Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: General Web Trends and Market Research (Current Page)
Page 3: On-Site Analytics and Packages
Page 4: Server-Side Log File Applications
Page 5: WordPress Plugins
Page 6: Visual Tracking and Visualization
Page 7: Feed and Alternative Services (Miscellaneous)

General Web Trends and Market Research

The sites listed below are “general” in the sense that many people can access the information that these services gather without adding code (a few exceptions apply) to your site.  They are often used by larger organizations and advertisers for determining traffic trends and research the way people interact with websites as a whole.

Alexa – A subsidiary of Amazon, Alexa provides information on the traffic trends relative to total Internet usage, or the site’s popularity in relation to others in specific categories.  ”Alexa Top Sites” can be purchased for $1,000-$10,000 for 10K-100K site quantities.  Much of the information provided is based on the usage of Alexa Toolbar users.

Compete - Compete is a web analytics company that uses more than 2,000,000 United States Internet users to gather information about the way people use websites and they perform the task of asking them questions via surveys.  Several additional tools are available for use – a toolbar, site profile extension, “deal light,” trust scores, and “Compete Pro,” which provides extensive reports and data on all Compete.com tools.  Pricing starts at $199-$499/month.

ComScore, Inc. - ComScore is a “Global Internet Information Provider,” which provides clients with information for driving higher sales and create higher efficiency in marketing efforts.  The site specializes in larger organizations and businesses, allowing them to see trends in the way people use the Internet.

Gemius – The largest online research agency in Central and Eastern Europe, dedicated to Internet market research since 1999.  The site caters to larger clients, who need knowledge beyond statistics.

Hitwise – Provides rankings based on market trends in more than 165 industries.  The service is based on insights by more than ten million United States Internet users who visit more than a million websites.  Paid services help you optimize your search campaigns with paid and organic data, uncover new and returning visitors to competitors’ websites, and trends based on political statistics. 

Nielsen/NetRatings – A provider of web analytics and market research solutions, primarily aimed at larger web firms.

Quantcast – The “World’s Only Open Internet Ratings Service,” providing information on demographics, audience, and reports on the amount of traffic and trends for direct membership.  The site requires you to implement their tracking code on your website for more accurate analysis.