Aug. 29, 2018

This paid piece is sponsored by Click Rain.

Worldwide, there are fewer than 150 Certified Web Analysts™ . The esteemed CWA certification represents experts in the field who have demonstrated a deep understanding of digital analytics. Many top tech companies employ these analytics gurus — two work at Microsoft, one at Google and a handful at IBM.

However, the region’s leading digital agency located in Sioux Falls also calls one of these experts its own. Chris Prendergast is a partner and chief strategy officer at Click Rain and is South Dakota’s only CWA.

Prendergast took the CWA exam in 2014 to challenge himself and put his web analytics knowledge to the test. His hard work and dedication throughout his career paid off. He passed and achieved the highest score of any CWA that year.

To take the exam, web analysts must meet eligibility requirements set by the Digital Analytics Association. The DAA is the governing body of the Web Analyst Certification. Its mission is to “advance the use of data to understand and improve the digital world through professional development and community.”

As described in the certification handbook, the exam’s primary focus is applying analytical business logic and problem-solving ability to web scenarios. It covers three key areas of web analytics: web analytics for site optimization, measuring marketing campaigns online, and creating and managing analytical business culture.

“As a Certified Web Analyst, it is truly humbling and an honor to be among some of the top digital analytics professionals in the world,” Prendergast said. “This certification demonstrates the commitment Click Rain has to help our clients use data to prove the value of marketing.”

Businesses seek out agencies with a CWA. This certification validates an agency’s expertise in identifying and applying metrics that matter to a client’s business. Prendergast uses his passion for problem-solving and connecting the dots to help clients meet and exceed their marketing goals. He transforms data generated by web analytics tools into valuable business insight.

“Certifications are important, and this one is especially distinguished,” said Natalie Eisenberg, CEO of Click Rain. “But what makes Chris so very special is his specialized knowledge combined with his passion for digital marketing and analytics. He genuinely loves the work and will stop at nothing to deliver the very best solutions for our clients.”

Knowledge is power, and as such, Prendergast travels the country speaking at five to 10 public or industry conferences per year, including Trendigital, Click Rain’s annual digital marketing conference in Sioux Falls. He also holds regular internal workshops to educate his team on the latest developments in the industry. Prendergast continues to push the people-first digital agency forward, all while putting others before himself.