a photo of a laptop screen showing some insights and graphs
Systems
 • 
3 Minute Read

Getting Insightful: How to Analyse User Behaviour with Web Analytics

Posted on
November 22, 2023
rocket icon

Get a FREE Website Mockup

Get a FREE mockup for your new website. We won't be running this offer forever...

Claim yours

Through web analytics, you can gain a wealth of information about the behaviours of those visiting your site, which can in turn, aid in maximising its performance.

The Power of Web Analytics

Web analytics serve as a window into how well your website is working. At its most basic, it's about collecting and analysing data about website usage. Whether it’s understanding what content engages your users most or seeing where exactly people are coming from to land on your site, each data point offers an opportunity for improvement.

The resulting insights can guide your decision-making and physics influence strategies to improve user experience and maximise conversion rates.

"Web analytics provide a valuable source of insight for any business - a compass that points where the route to success lies."

Key Web Analytics to Understand User Behaviour

There are certain key metrics that you should focus on to better comprehend user behaviour. These include:

  • Bounce Rate: This indicates the percentage of users who leave your site after viewing just one page. A high bounce rate could suggest a lack of engaging content or ineffective webpage design.
  • Page Views: This refers to the total number of pages viewed. Repeated views of a single page are also counted.
  • Average Session Duration: This is the average length of a user's visit. It’s useful to know how long people are spending on your site as it can reflect the level of engagement.

Utilising Web Analytics to Improve Your Website

Once armed with these insights, you can start making pertinent changes to your site. If you notice a high bounce rate, consider revisiting your webpage design or the quality of content you offer.

If you see that one page is performing particularly well, think about why this is and how you might replicate this success elsewhere on your site.

In essence, a deep-dive into your website's analytics is like a litmus test for its health. The better you understand your user behaviour, the more targeted your adjustments can be – and, most importantly, the better results you'll achieve.

Take the time to get familiar with the basics of web analytics; your business will thank you for it. Nothing signals growth like understanding your customers' habits and being able to tailor your digital presence accordingly. Remember, every data point is a new opportunity for understanding – and thus, for growth.  

Analyse Click Trails for User Behaviour Insight

The click trail, also known as click path, is another valuable piece of user behaviour data that can be analysed. This refers to the sequence of clicks each user makes as they navigate through your website.

Interpreting this data could allow you to see if users are finding what they're looking for, or if they’re becoming lost within your website's navigation.

Pitfalls to Avoid:

  • Ignoring the Data: To gain maximum benefit from web analytics, you must be committed to understanding and utilising the data. Ignoring it, or only paying occasional attention, won't bring about the improvements you seek.
  • Disregarding Negative Metrics: Negative metrics are integral to identifying what's not working on your website. Instead of dismissing them, learn and make necessary changes.

Empower Your Website through User Engagement Metrics

Engagement metrics are the heart of user behaviour analytics. A deep understanding of these metrics can help you design a more engaging and effective website.

  1. Time on Page: This metric can help you understand if your content is engaging enough to keep users on the page for longer periods. Lower time on page may indicate that your content is not meeting user expectations.
  2. New vs Returning Visitors: A healthy balance of new and returning visitors is key for sustained growth. If you’re not attracting enough new visitors, you might need to improve your website visibility. Conversely, a low number of returning visitors might indicate a lack of engaging content to keep users coming back.

Takeaways: A User-Centric Approach to Web Analytics

Web analytics is not just about tracking user data—it's also about understanding the story behind those numbers. It's about knowing the 'why' behind the 'what', which requires a deep dive into your users' behaviour.

Sometimes, delving into web analytics can feel overwhelming. But armed with the right knowledge and understanding, it’s a journey worth traversing.

It offers rich insights into your visitors' behaviours, preferences, and needs—the very building blocks of a successful, user-centric website.

"Web analytics lie at the intersection of data and design. Each metric is a stakeholder's voice, giving valuable input for your website's optimal design and content strategy."

Remember, every data point brings you another step forward to crafting a website that resonates with your users and aligns with your business goals.

Pay close attention to your web analytics, listen to what it has to say, and the improvements will follow. Your users—and your business—will thank you for it!

Ellie Hill
Director at South Digital

Claim a free mockup for your business

Every business deserves a website they're proud of; want to see our vision for yours?

geometric designgeometric design