Website Tracking: definition and purpose

9 March, 2010

Website tracking, as defined in Feedia's glossary, is the act of monitoring website activity and changes over time.

Why track?

Collecting, studying and analysing your website performance is the backbone for understanding how to best optimise your website for increased usage and results. In addition, being aware of how your customers access your business information and the way they navigate your site provides insight into key areas of potential growth within your business.

Offsite vs Onsite web analytics

Tracking is achieved through onsite and offsite web analytics. Offsite web analytics measure the potential opportunity and interest of a website based on overall internet engagement.

On the other hand, onsite web analytics demonstrate the performance of an actual website in context of a commercial environment. The results are compared against key performance indicators, such as number of visitors, length of time per visit/page and so forth. Other important information in a marketing sense include identification of preferred pages, content and banners as well as which calls to action are the most effective.

How can I track?

There are a number of web analytics services and software, including the hugely popular Google Analytics. In their own words, consider web analytics to "strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites."

If you would like Feedia's assistance with understanding your website analytics contact us.

Blog post written by Michelle Jennins of Feedia - Web Design Brisbane