I can’t help but admire the design of Google’s Conversion University for learning Google Analytics. They’ve built presentations with voiceovers that alternate between a male narrator and a female narrator. Most lessons are about 3 minutes to 7 minutes long, and I am learning as I go in a pace that I set.
For each lesson you can read what you’ll learn ahead of time, and after you click through to the video presentation, you get enough text explanations that both the visual/textual and auditory learner is well served.
I am taking these lessons to prepare for the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) test. It is a 90 minute test that costs $50 to take, and you earn an individual certification. You can either take the Analytics test or the AdWords test. And in true Google style, you can search for people who have gotten their certifications.
I got through First Steps the first evening, and nearly all the way through Interpreting Reports in another couple of hours. I agree that it helps to already be using Google Analytics so you can switch over to your reports immediately after viewing a lesson. You can also use what you learn immediately by applying it to your own questions about your site.
You can also view videos on YouTube that show examples, such as interpreting and acting on your data.
Wish me luck! You can read Frequently Asked Questions about Google Analytics IQ if you want to learn more.