Identifying Current Server Statistics Software and Gaining Access
In Chapter 9, we will discuss in detail the methods for tracking results and measuring success, and we will also delve into how to set a baseline of measurements for your SEO projects. But before we do, and before you can accomplish these tasks, you need to have the right measurement systems in place.
Web Analytics
Analytics software can provide you with a rich array of valuable data about what is taking place on the site. It can answer questions such as:
How many unique visitors did you receive yesterday?
Is traffic trending up or down?
What are the most popular search terms with which people find you?
What are the most popular pages on your site?
What are the best converting pages on the site?
We strongly recommend that if your site does not have any measurement systems in place currently, you put something in place immediately. High-quality, free analytics tools are available, such as Yahoo! Web Analytics and Google Analytics. Of course, higher-end analytics solutions are also available, and we will discuss them in more detail in Chapter 9.
Logfile Tracking
Logfiles contain a detailed click-by-click history of all requests to your web server. Make sure you have access to the logfiles and some method for analyzing them. If you use a third-party hosting company for your site, chances are it provides some sort of free logfile analyzer, such as AWStats, Webalizer, or something similar. Obtain access to whatever tool is in use ...