There are many ‘digital’ courses and seminars popping up in Ireland for Google Analytics, some of which can cost up to €900 just to attend. Now that’s frankly shocking for something which is essentially already available online. Here’s how to do it a lot less, and get yourself a Google recognised qualification and not just some shabby record of attendance.
Drop over to the Conversion University to check out the latest videos and resources available and spend a few hours checking out Justin Cutroni’s blog, the Google Analytics blog and the Google Analytics Group to see what the latest issues and developments are within the industry. So with some prep done and a few hours to spare, have a bash at the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) exam, which is 2 hours long with 70 multiple choice questions and a pass mark of 80% required, and only costs $50.
I recently got through it in around 90 minutes, and came out with a score of 96% which wasn’t too bad. If anyone works with Google Analytics on a day to day basis and has done the prep work required, they should be able to get close to full marks , and if you’re only starting with Web Analytics, then the Conversion University, a Google Analytics account and some time is definitely worth the investment more-so than spending two days in a classroom. The qualification is valid for 18 months, after that you’ll need to resit. How’s that for a up skilling on the cheap?
Mourners for the death of blogging decended upon the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway (Great venue) on Saturday night for the fifth annual Irish Blog Awards.
A hugely impressive and smoothly run event confirmed that blogging may not be actually dead but possibly incredibly alive & kicking. Well done Damien & crew with notable highlights being the coffin carried entrance, Darragh Doyle’s generic news report inspired video, Pantibliss’ speech, Made in Hollywood’s guitar props and cameo video appearances from Podge & Rodge, Bosco & Miriam O’Callaghan.
The Best Newcomer category where I was representing lastminute.com went to the very deserved 9BeanRow (excellent food blog).
One thing that I really liked was many of the winners acknowledging those who read, comment, support and generally stoke the fires of a thriving blogging community. A full list of winners is available here. Roll on next year!
*Image above by Eolaí who picked up Best Specialist Blog for his Bicyclistic and also had some great paintings on show.
Not sure if this is being rolled out over here yet, but down under Google Maps have added some new features. Last year they added icons and labels of prominent businesses and now you can know see the logo of that business when zoomed in.
Of course to get that kind of exposure, business’s will have to pay for the ability to upload a custom business logo/icon but it’s definitely something which would make street navigating easier – especially in Ireland as most directions are giving via pub names.