Succeeding in ecommerce requires a deep understanding of various critical components—conversion optimization, ecommerce marketing, and developing a robust ecommerce strategy. That's where these ecommerce analytics books become invaluable. They offer insights in structuring an effective analytics organization, integrating data-gathering apps, and mastering the art of attribution.
These books not only cover the current state but also cover the future of ecommerce analytics. My extensive reading in this niche and practical experience in applying these concepts have shown me the importance of understanding lifetime value, building a competent analytics team, and strategies to boost profitability.
For anyone looking to improve customer acquisition or optimize their ecommerce platform, these books are a gold mine. I get it—keeping up with the latest in ecommerce analytics is a challenge, but it pays off.
19 Best Ecommerce Analytics Books
I've read and selected these 19 books for their direct solutions to ecommerce challenges.
- Lean Analytics by Alistair Croll and Benjamin Yoskovitz
- Data Science for Business by Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett
- Marketing Analytics: A Practical Guide to Improving Consumer Insights Using Data Techniques by Mike Grigsby
- Marketing Metrics by Neil Bendle, Paul Farris, Phillip Pfeifer, and David Reibstein
- Ecommerce Analytics: Analyze and Improve the Impact of Your Digital Strategy by Judah Phillips
- Digital Marketing Analytics: Making Sense of Consumer Data in a Digital World by Chuck Hemann and Ken Burbary
- Digital Analytics for Marketing by Marshall Sponder
- Google Analytics Uncovered by Eric Leuenberger
- Google Analytics: Understanding Visitor Behavior by Justin Cutroni
- Google Analytics Breakthrough by Feras Alhlou, Shiraz Asif, and Eric Fettman
- Performance Marketing with Google Analytics by Sebastian Tonkin, Caleb Whitmore, and Justin Cutroni
- Making Websites Win by Karl Blanks and Ben Jesson
- Ecommerce Website Optimization by Dan Croxen-John and Johann van Tonder
- The Big Book of Dashboards by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave
- Ecommerce Big Data Mining and Analytics by Jie Cao
- The Complete Guide to B2B Marketing: by Kim Ann King
- Analytics for Retail by Rhoda Okunev
- Measure What Matters by John Doerr
- Crawl, Walk, Run by Michael Loban and Alex Yastrebenetsky
Overviews Of The 19 Best Ecommerce Analytics Books
1. Lean Analytics by Alistair Croll and Benjamin Yoskovitz
Summary:
This book covers how startups can leverage big data and analytics to enhance decision-making, validate their ideas, and improve their products rapidly. The book is a blend of practical advice, real-world examples, and essential theory, making it a go-to guide for startups looking to scale efficiently and effectively.
What You'll Learn:
The book outlines the importance of data-driven decision-making in the startup world. Readers learn to identify the right metrics for their business model, understand the Lean Startup methodology, and apply analytics to focus on what truly matters for growth.
Why You Should Read It:
For entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts, this book is a valuable resource for understanding how to use data not just as numbers, but as a powerful tool to guide business strategies. It's especially beneficial for those looking to streamline their startup’s growth and make informed decisions with confidence.
Quote From The Book:
"In God we trust; all others must bring data."
About The Author:
Alistair Croll is a renowned author, entrepreneur, and speaker specializing in startups, data, and technology. His insights in business growth are sought after globally. Benjamin Yoskovitz is a startup founder and active investor, bringing hands-on experience to the analytics realm. Their combined expertise makes "Lean Analytics" a must-read.
2. Data Science for Business by Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett
Summary:
Data Science for Business is a comprehensive guide to the fundamental principles of data science and how they can be applied in a business context. Authors Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett combine their expertise to explore data-analytic thinking and the importance of leveraging data for strategic decision-making. The book serves as a bridge between the technical world of data science and the practical needs of business decision-making.
What You'll Learn:
This book covers key concepts in data science, including data mining, pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and how these can be applied to solve real business problems. It helps readers understand the critical role data plays in business and how to think analytically about data.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of how data science can drive business strategy, this book is essential. It's not just for data scientists, but for anyone in the business world who wants to harness the power of data for competitive advantage.
Quote From The Book:
"The goal of data science is to turn data to information, and information to insight."
About The Author:
Foster Provost is a professor and data science expert with deep data mining and machine learning knowledge. Tom Fawcett is an acclaimed writer and data science practitioner focusing on business applications.
3. Marketing Analytics: A Practical Guide to Improving Consumer Insights Using Data Techniques by Mike Grigsby
Summary:
This book provides an in-depth look to the world of marketing analytics. This book offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and applying data techniques to enhance marketing strategies. Grigsby focuses on how to use data analytics to better understand consumer behavior and make informed marketing decisions.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn practical ways to apply data analysis techniques in marketing, including methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The book also covers various aspects of consumer insights, predictive modeling, and how to translate data findings with effective marketing strategies.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is ideal for marketing professionals and business owners seeking to gain a competitive edge through data-driven strategies. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of consumer behavior and improve their marketing efforts through analytics.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is not just numbers, it’s a story waiting to be told."
About The Author:
Mike Grigsby is a marketing and data analytics expert with extensive experience in consumer insights and data-driven marketing strategies.
4. Marketing Metrics by Neil Bendle, Paul Farris, Phillip Pfeifer, and David Reibstein
Summary:
This is a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying key metrics in marketing. It's an essential resource for anyone involved in marketing and business strategy, offering clear explanations and practical insights to measuring marketing effectiveness.
What You'll Learn:
The book covers a wide range of metrics, including customer, brand, and profitability metrics, and explains how they can be used to make informed marketing decisions. Readers will gain an understanding of how to assess marketing performance and the impact of their decisions on business outcomes.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're a marketer, business student, or entrepreneur, this book is crucial for developing a deeper understanding of how to measure and analyze marketing efforts. It provides a solid foundation in marketing metrics, which is essential for driving successful marketing strategies in today's data-driven world.
Quote From The Book:
"Metrics are like a language of progress for business."
About The Author:
Neil Bendle is an academic with expertise in marketing and management. Paul Farris is known for his work in marketing metrics and analysis. Phillip Pfeifer specializes in customer analytics, and David Reibstein is a renowned expert in marketing and branding.
5. Ecommerce Analytics: Analyze and Improve the Impact of Your Digital Strategy by Judah Phillips
Summary:
Judah Phillips is a detailed guide on leveraging analytics to enhance ecommerce strategies. This book offers in-depth insights to the world of ecommerce analytics, focusing on how to analyze and use data to make better business decisions, improve customer experience, and increase profitability.
What You'll Learn:
This book covers a range of topics from basic analytics concepts to advanced techniques in data analysis, specifically tailored for ecommerce. Readers will learn to evaluate and improve every aspect of their ecommerce efforts, including marketing, merchandising, operations, and customer service.
Why You Should Read It:
It's an essential read for anyone involved in ecommerce, from new entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals. The book provides practical advice and actionable strategies, making it valuable for those seeking to enhance their digital strategy through data-driven decisions.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is the lifeblood of ecommerce, and analytics is its heartbeat."
About The Author:
Judah Phillips is an expert in ecommerce and digital analytics, with extensive experience in helping businesses optimize their online presence and strategies.
6. Digital Marketing Analytics: Making Sense of Consumer Data in a Digital World by Chuck Hemann and Ken Burbary
Summary:
Digital Marketing Analytics: Making Sense of Consumer Data in a Digital World by Chuck Hemann and Ken Burbary is a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing digital marketing analytics. The book covers the complexities of analyzing online consumer behavior and provides practical advice on how to leverage this data for effective digital marketing strategies.
What You'll Learn:
This book offers an in-depth look at the tools and techniques used in digital marketing analytics, including social media analysis and web analytics. It teaches readers how to interpret data to understand consumer preferences and behaviors, and how to apply these insights to optimize digital marketing campaigns.
Why You Should Read It:
For digital marketers, business strategists, or anyone interested in leveraging digital data, this book is a valuable resource. It provides a clear roadmap for navigating the vast data landscape of the digital world and shows how to turn data with actionable marketing strategies.
Quote From The Book:
"In the digital age, data is the currency of business."
About The Author:
Chuck Hemann is a digital analytics professional with extensive experience in digital marketing and analytics. Ken Burbary is a digital marketing and analytics strategist known for his expertise in social media and digital strategy.
7. Digital Analytics for Marketing by Marshall Sponder
Summary:
It provides a thorough exploration of the digital analytics landscape, specifically tailored for marketing professionals. This book goes beyond basic concepts, offering advanced insights in how digital data can be used to inform and drive marketing strategies.
What You'll Learn:
The book covers a range of topics from the fundamentals of digital analytics to advanced techniques in data analysis and interpretation. Readers will learn how to measure, analyze, and optimize their digital marketing efforts, gaining skills in social media analytics, web analytics, and more.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is ideal for marketing professionals, business owners, and students who seek a deeper understanding of digital analytics in the marketing domain. It provides practical, actionable guidance for using analytics to improve marketing decisions and outcomes.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is not just about numbers; it's about finding the story that those numbers are telling."
About The Author:
Marshall Sponder is an experienced digital analyst and marketing professional, known for his expertise in social media analytics and digital marketing strategies.
8. Google Analytics Uncovered by Eric Leuenberger
Summary:
This is an insightful guide on harnessing the full potential of Google Analytics for ecommerce businesses. This book focuses on the practical aspects of setting up and utilizing Google Analytics to gather and interpret ecommerce data effectively.
What You'll Learn:
The book offers a comprehensive walkthrough of Google Analytics, from basic setup to advanced data analysis techniques. It teaches readers how to track and analyze customer behavior, optimize website performance, and use data insights to drive ecommerce growth.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is an invaluable resource for ecommerce business owners, marketers, and data analysts. Its practical approach makes it ideal for anyone looking to leverage Google Analytics to enhance their online business strategy and decision-making.
Quote From The Book:
"Understanding your data is the key to online business success."
About The Author:
Eric Leuenberger is an ecommerce growth specialist and expert in online marketing and analytics. His experience provides practical, actionable advice for optimizing ecommerce performance through data.
9. Google Analytics: Understanding Visitor Behavior by Justin Cutroni
Summary:
This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to gain deeper insights into their website's performance through Google Analytics. This book focuses on understanding and interpreting visitor behavior, providing readers with the knowledge to improve their website and marketing strategies effectively.
What You'll Learn:
Cutroni expertly guides readers through the intricacies of Google Analytics, covering topics such as setting up tracking, understanding visitor behavior, and making data-driven decisions. The book demystifies complex analytics concepts, making them accessible to marketers and website owners alike.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're looking to enhance your website's user experience and optimize marketing efforts, this book is a must-read. Its practical approach makes it valuable for professionals and beginners who want to leverage analytics for better online performance.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is only as powerful as your understanding of it."
About The Author:
Justin Cutroni is an acclaimed digital analytics consultant and speaker. His expertise in Google Analytics has made him a go-to authority in the field.
10. Google Analytics Breakthrough by Feras Alhlou, Shiraz Asif, and Eric Fettman
Summary:
Google Analytics Breakthrough: From Zero to Business Impact by Feras Alhlou, Shiraz Asif, and Eric Fettman offers a comprehensive journey in mastering Google Analytics for business impact. This book serves as a practical guide, filled with real-world examples and expert advice, to help readers transform data in actionable insights.
What You'll Learn:
The book provides a deep cover of Google Analytics, covering essential concepts, advanced tracking techniques, and data analysis strategies. It equips readers with the skills to effectively implement and use Google Analytics to drive business decisions and measure online performance.
Why You Should Read It:
Whether you're a marketer, business owner, or analyst, this book is crucial for anyone looking to leverage Google Analytics to its full potential. The authors’ hands-on approach makes complex topics accessible and actionable, offering a path to real business results.
Quote From The Book:
"Transforming data with action is the essence of Google Analytics."
About The Author:
Feras Alhlou, Shiraz Asif, and Eric Fettman are renowned experts in digital analytics. Their combined experience provides a rich foundation of knowledge and practical insights in the field.
11. Performance Marketing with Google Analytics by Sebastian Tonkin, Caleb Whitmore, and Justin Cutroni
Summary:
It is a strategic guide that combines marketing and analytics to improve online performance. This book covers of using Google Analytics to enhance marketing efforts, focusing on maximizing return on investment (ROI) in the digital space.
What You'll Learn:
The book explores advanced Google Analytics features, teaching readers how to track, analyze, and optimize online marketing campaigns. It discusses techniques for integrating analytics in marketing strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in reaching marketing goals.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is vital for marketers, business owners, and digital analysts who aim to use analytics to improve their online marketing results. It offers a blend of technical know-how and strategic insight, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their digital marketing ROI.
Quote From The Book:
"Analytics is not just about data; it's about actionable insight."
About The Author:
Sebastian Tonkin, Caleb Whitmore, and Justin Cutroni are experts in digital analytics and marketing. Their combined insights offer a rich perspective on leveraging analytics for effective digital marketing.
12. Making Websites Win by Karl Blanks and Ben Jesson
Summary:
This book is an insightful exploration of the customer-centric approach to website optimization. This book is a comprehensive guide on how to transform websites with effective sales and marketing tools by focusing on the customer's journey and experience.
What You'll Learn:
The book covers techniques and methodologies for website testing, conversion rate optimization, and customer-centric design. Readers will gain a deep understanding of how to create websites that not only attract visitors but also convert them to loyal customers.
Why You Should Read It:
Anyone involved in web design, digital marketing, or ecommerce will find this book invaluable. Its practical advice and proven strategies are crucial for those looking to increase their website's effectiveness and profitability through a customer-focused approach.
Quote From The Book:
"The best websites are customer-centric. They provide the information visitors seek."
About The Author:
Karl Blanks and Ben Jesson are co-founders of Conversion Rate Experts, a leading agency in website optimization. Their extensive experience in improving website performance for numerous leading companies provides readers with proven insights and strategies.
13. Ecommerce Website Optimization by Dan Croxen-John and Johann van Tonder
Summary:
Ecommerce Website Optimization by Dan Croxen-John and Johann van Tonder is a critical guide for anyone looking to improve their ecommerce site's performance. This book addresses the common challenge of low conversion rates, offering practical advice and techniques to turn visitors to customers.
What You'll Learn:
The authors share insights on understanding your website visitors, the art of conversion rate optimization, and effective strategies to enhance the customer journey on your ecommerce site. It goes with detail on how to conduct tests and make data-driven decisions for website optimization.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for ecommerce business owners, marketers, and web developers who aim to increase their site's conversion rates. Its approach is both strategic and practical, making it a valuable resource for anyone serious about boosting online sales.
Quote From The Book:
"Conversion rate optimization isn't just about increasing sales; it's about understanding your customers."
About The Author:
Dan Croxen-John and Johann van Tonder are experienced professionals in ecommerce optimization. Their expertise is rooted in helping businesses grow through effective website optimization strategies.
14. The Big Book of Dashboards by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave
Summary:
It is a comprehensive guide to data visualization, particularly in the creation and use of effective dashboards. This book is packed with real-world examples that show how to visualize and present data in a way that's insightful and actionable for businesses.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn the dos and don'ts of dashboard design, how to choose the right type of chart for different kinds of data, and tips for making complex data easily understandable. The book also teaches how to tailor dashboards to specific business needs and audiences.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is invaluable for anyone involved in data analysis, business intelligence, or management. It's a practical resource for creating dashboards that not only look great but also provide clear, useful insights for decision-makers.
Quote From The Book:
"A well-designed dashboard is a remarkable tool for turning complex data to understandable, actionable insights."
About The Author:
Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave are experts in data visualization and business intelligence, with years of experience in helping organizations make better decisions through data.
15. Ecommerce Big Data Mining and Analytics by Jie Cao
Summary:
Ecommerce Big Data Mining and Analytics by Jie Cao is an insightful exploration of the world of big data within the ecommerce industry. This book provides a detailed analysis of how big data and analytics are transforming the ecommerce landscape, offering a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will gain a thorough understanding of big data technologies, data mining techniques, and their applications in ecommerce. The book covers topics ranging from customer behavior analysis to supply chain management, providing insights to leveraging big data for strategic decision-making in ecommerce.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for professionals and students in ecommerce, data science, and digital marketing fields. It equips readers with the knowledge to harness the power of big data, driving innovation and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving ecommerce sector.
Quote From The Book:
"Big data is not just a technology but a paradigm shift in business strategy."
About The Author:
Jie Cao is an academic and expert in the field of ecommerce and big data. His research and work focus on the intersection of technology, data science, and business.
16. The Complete Guide to B2B Marketing by Kim Ann King
Summary:
It is a comprehensive resource for marketers in the business-to-business (B2B) sector. This book provides an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of B2B marketing, emphasizing digital strategies and tools that are critical for success in today’s digital economy.
What You'll Learn:
King explores a variety of topics including digital marketing techniques, content marketing, lead generation, and marketing analytics. The book offers insights in developing and implementing effective B2B marketing strategies that align with modern business demands and customer expectations.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a must-read for B2B marketers, business owners, and anyone involved in B2B sales and marketing. It offers a blend of practical advice, strategic thinking, and up-to-date techniques that are essential in the fast-paced digital world.
Quote From The Book:
"In the digital economy, B2B marketing is not just about transactions; it's about creating meaningful, ongoing relationships."
About The Author:
Kim Ann King is an experienced marketer and thought leader in the B2B marketing space. Her expertise lies in digital marketing strategies and customer engagement.
17. Analytics for Retail by Rhoda Okunev
Summary:
Analytics for Retail by Rhoda Okunev is a practical and accessible guide aimed at helping retail professionals understand and utilize analytics to drive their business success. This book breaks down complex statistical concepts in easy-to-understand steps, demonstrating how analytics can be a powerful tool for retail decision-making.
What You'll Learn:
The book covers a range of topics including customer analytics, inventory management, sales forecasting, and performance measurement. Okunev provides real-world examples and step-by-step explanations to show how analytics can solve common retail challenges and improve business outcomes.
Why You Should Read It:
For retail managers, business owners, and anyone involved in the retail industry, this book is an invaluable resource. It demystifies the world of retail analytics, showing how data-driven insights can lead to more informed, effective business decisions.
Quote From The Book:
"Retail success in the modern world hinges on understanding the story your data tells."
About The Author:
Rhoda Okunev is a seasoned expert in retail analytics, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge in the application of statistics in the retail industry.
18. Measure What Matters by John Doerr
Summary:
Measure What Matters by John Doerr presents a compelling argument for the use of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in business and beyond. Drawing from his experiences working with high-profile organizations and individuals, Doerr showcases how OKRs can drive success, focusing on setting specific and challenging goals with measurable outcomes.
What You'll Learn:
The book offers insights with the adoption and implementation of OKRs by industry giants like Google and notable figures such as Bono and the Gates Foundation. Readers will learn the art of setting highly effective goals and using these objectives to guide decision-making and track progress.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for leaders, managers, and anyone interested in personal or organizational growth. It offers a proven framework for setting and achieving ambitious goals, making it an invaluable tool for driving innovation and success in any endeavor.
Quote From The Book:
"Ideas are easy. Execution is everything. It takes a team to win."
About The Author:
John Doerr is a renowned venture capitalist and an advocate for goal-oriented planning and execution. His insights into leadership and organizational strategy have made a significant impact across various industries.
19. Crawl, Walk, Run by Michael Loban and Alex Yastrebenetsky
Summary:
It is an insightful guide on enhancing analytics maturity using the Google Marketing Platform. The book provides a strategic roadmap for businesses at different stages of analytics adoption, offering practical advice to improve their data-driven marketing efforts.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will gain a clear understanding of how to effectively utilize the Google Marketing Platform to gather and analyze data, create insightful reports, and make informed marketing decisions. The book progresses from basic concepts (Crawl) to intermediate strategies (Walk), and finally to advanced techniques (Run) in analytics.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is ideal for marketers, analysts, and business owners who want to enhance their skills in digital analytics and data-driven marketing. It offers a step-by-step approach to mastering analytics, making it a valuable resource for improving marketing performance and ROI.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is not just about numbers; it's about understanding user behavior and driving business growth."
About The Author:
Michael Loban and Alex Yastrebenetsky are experienced professionals in digital analytics and marketing optimization. Their expertise is focused on helping businesses leverage data for strategic marketing success.
Which Ecommerce Analytics Books Do You Recommend?
In my journey through the world of ecommerce analytics, I’ve explored a range of insightful books that provide valuable knowledge and strategies. This is my selection of must-read ecommerce analytics books for 2024.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Ecomm Manager newsletter for more marketing tips, roundups, and reviews.