Methods for tracking changes?

[Technical_Contact]

Hi all,

I'm starting to make changes to our websites this week.  I need to record every change made so I can compare the affect it had on the performance/ranking of the site.

I'm curious to know what methods those with more experience are using to keep track of everything.

Thanks in advance.

[TellThemEverything]

I have a private blog that I use to record everything I do to the site. This is password protected and (obviously) not indexed by search engines, so it's literally a prvate journal that I often add results from mozbar to so I can compare month-to-month how my moztrust etc changes.

I also make notes inside my google analytics by adding "annotations" under the graph. This is useful to track if changes you make have any result on your traffic or conversion..

[Technical_Contact]

James,

Thanks for the suggestion. Like your method as it provides easy access from anywhere there is an internet connection.

[KeriMorgret]

I have a spreadsheet where I keep track of half a dozen metrics, and I just add an entry for a date and list the things that I've done. Also like James, I use the annotations in Google Analytics, and that can really help.

Be sure to record any outside influences to the site to help keep track of things. Did the site get a mention in a print publication? Record that, so it can help explain an increase in branded search traffic and/or direct traffic. Did you start or stop a PPC campaign? Send out a press release? etc.