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Monitoring website traffic is much more than hits counters

Derek Stockley explains the key features of good traffic monitoring software.

Traffic monitoring should be comprehensive

In Web Statistics Overview, I outlined the importance of a good web statistics package.

The key features required of web traffic monitoring software include:

The ability to track all 'entry' and 'exit' pages.

Information on total visitors, including new and returning visitors.

Count of page views and 'click paths' - the different routes taken by visitors.

Technical information and user profiles - type of browser, operating systems used, screen sizes, etc.

The information should be easy to access, and up-to-date, preferably 'up-to-the-minute'.

Special monitoring systems of specific marketing initiatives, e.g. monitoring a particular 'entry' page featured in an advertising or PPC (Pay Per Click) campaign.

The ability to manipulate and interpret the data, e.g. exporting it to a spreadsheet program for further analysis.

These features are essential for good traffic monitoring.

The other consideration is cost. Permanently free monitors are available, but they normally require publicity for the website statistics provider as well as 'banner' advertising. This may or may not be appropriate for your site, e.g. 'casino' advertising.

You can sign up for a 30 day free trial or purchase of a web statistics package I recommend - go to: Web-Stat Registration. My reasoning is explained at Website Statistics Software.

Installation of the software is quick and easy. You can be monitoring your site visitors from the moment you upload your changed pages. I have done it in 15 minutes for a small website.

See also: Website Visitor Behaviour.

Website statistics are very useful or monitoring your search engine optimisation activities. For more information on SEO training, see Search Engine Optimisation Training Information.

This page was last modified on 10 February 2007.