StatCounter is our preferred analytics provider, and accounts are free.
We have been surprised yet again by a new client’s previous developer having failed to install any data analytics program on the client’s website. It could be worse; we sometimes see websites where analytics were installed, but the developer is the only person with access to the data.
All Savage Sites Website Solutions packages include installation of basic traffic data analysis programs, because your pretty website is only serving a small portion of its potential value to you if you don’t integrate and use data analysis to monitor your website traffic. Basic traffic statistics are easy to gather, mine, and analyze.
Here is a quick and easy way to begin using data analytics to improve your website:
We are going to discuss installing and mining your traffic data using a free program called “StatCounter” instead of the conventional Google Analytics program, because Google continues to reduce the amount of data that it shares with webmasters, and StatCounter offers quick and easy real-time tracking. However, we do recommend that you install Google Analytics and use it in conjunctions with StatCounter, because the programs do differ in tracking methods, and you will find it useful to compare Google’s data with StatCounter’s. For example, StatCounter tends to count more traffic than Google Analytics does, as StatCounter lists bot visits and Google does not.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between Google’s data and Statcounter’s, here is a good article to read: Analysis of the Statistical Differences between StatCounter and Google Analytics
We use StatCounter every day to mine traffic data, and we recommend that you do the same. You’ll be very surprised at what you can learn, and how you can use simple data analysis techniques to increase traffic to your site.
[blue_message]For WordPress websites, you will want to being by installing the Official StatCounter Plugin and enabling it.[/blue_message]
Next, visit StatCounter.com and register for a free account. You will probably want to upgrade to their very affordable (around $5 per month) account soon, as this provides you with a larger storage database and more reporting options–well worth it.
Follow the on-site instructions to create your account and add a project for your website. Then click on the wrench icon to the right of your project name in your Projects dashboard, and click on the “Security Code” link to see your Project Code and Security Code. Simply paste these into your settings for the WordPress plugin, and you’re done.
Be sure to also click “Edit Project Settings” at the top of your StatCounter.com dashboard, and then click, “Block Your Current IP Address” to avoid having your own visits show up in your statistics.
Now comes the fun part.
Below is a table explaining (briefly) the data that StatCounter tracks and maintains in a database for your reference and analysis. You can visit the StatCounter on-site forum for help and further explanation, but this will help you to understand how to apply what you learn from your website traffic data analytics.
[table id=5 /]
Website data analysis and careful planning is essential to developing and implementing successful SEO (search engine optimization) strategies.
Savage Sites Website Solutions include data analysis as part of our comprehensive website solution services for small businesses. If you need help learning or help implementing this on your website email kwhite@savagesites.com or call 925.240.3376 today.
As with all of our services, we offer a transparent approach to SEO and traffic data analysis, and we will help you learn to strategically apply this process to your own website.