I blame Lewis Hamilton …

Whether you are a Formula 1 nut or not (I’m not, by the way) you’ve got to admire the way they use data.

Because the pointy heads in Formula 1 certainly know how to use it and it’s a lesson which should resonate with anyone serious about the success of their website.

The reason this story stands out is that it involves our own Lews Hamilton whose Mercedes F1 car collects more data than you can shake a stick at.

And they’re using it to devastating effect

Loaded with over 200 sensors measuring more than a thousand data channels it hoovers up data like no tomorrow.

The quantities are staggering.

Just one lap of an average race generates 2 Gigabytes of data.

For just one race that means more than 3 Terabytes of extraordinarily valuable information which the technicians pore over in an excited frenzy.

Big data means big money.

To put that into perspective, 2 gig’s worth of data will allow you to browse the internet for around 24 hours, stream 400 songs or … watch a 4-hour video.

Multiply that over a whole race and it’s a staggering amount of information.

Those Mercedes technicians don’t break wind without consulting the data.

Their jobs and their team’s success depend on the microscopic improvements which their analysis delivers.

Compare that approach with how many businesses manage their websites

Frighteningly, some don’t even have Google Analytics set up on their site.

For the enlightened like you, you’ll know that huge amounts of information is collected and made available in Analytics but how often is that used as a basis for making changes?

Ask 10 business owners how often they check their Google Analytics reports and most will want to change the subject – fast.

Ok, sometimes it seems like there’s too much information but it’s there for you to use only as much as you need.

Use what you want and ignore the rest. Why drown yourself in stuff you’re not going to use – yet.

If you’re not on it then you’re not in it. But your business depends on it.

Food for thought this week perhaps.

I’m here for a chat if you want any help to get started.

Stay safe.

Alec

Fineline Print & Web. The Eagles, 32 Clwyd Street, RUTHIN, Denbighshire LL15 1HW

T: 01824 70 8800 E: alec@finelineprintandweb.co.uk W: www.finelineprintandweb.co.uk