Webstats...What's it all mean?

[Up & At 'Em]

Hello everyone!

Well, I've got another question for you. Can someone explain to me what the webstats mean in the cpanel? They do look very pretty, but I have no clue what I'm looking at. What is a hit vs. a visitor? I thought they were the same thing. I'm clueless here, so any information will be appreciated.

Also, I signed up for Google analytics on the advice of someone here, and it tells me my website has no traffic, but the webstats here at HG are telling me that I do. I've noticed that the HG webstats list spiders and robots, so maybe that's why?

I'm just a bit confused. I know it's too soon to expect much in the way of traffic and it will take some time to get the word out about my website, but I would really like to know what I'm viewing just the same.

Thanks so much!

Kim

[slapshotw]

Originally Posted by Up & At 'Em

What is a hit vs. a visitor?

If I go to your website and view 3 pages, you've had 1 visitor (me) but 3 hits (I "hit" 3 of your pages).

Also, I signed up for Google analytics on the advice of someone here, and it tells me my website has no traffic, but the webstats here at HG are telling me that I do.

How long ago did you sign up? Expect a 24-48 hour wait between hits and stats updating with Google Analytics. I see you've put the code in your site, so now just wait. Your Google Analytics stats will be much more accurate and easier to use than anything cPanel offers.

[Up & At 'Em]

Ok, I get it. So, every time a visitor clicks on another page, that's another hit even though it's the same person. Cool.

As for Google Analytics, it was added over a week ago. I don't expect mass traffic yet. It's going to take a little time to get any noteworthy traffic to the site (unless someone here knows a way for me to get it faster....please share!).

I guess for now I'll just continue to watch and compare the two. In the meantime, if there is anything else I should know about the webstats please fill me in. I don't understand any of it.

Thanks!

Kim

[Serra]

Originally Posted by Up & At 'Em

I don't understand any of it.

One of the useful things in web stats is the part that tells you the search strings people are using to find your site. You should pay close attention to that stat.

[Hostalot]

This is my blog post about the different headings in AWstats

[Up & At 'Em]

Serra: Thanks. By the way, it's nice to hear from you again.

Hostalot: I bookmarked that page and I'll be referring to it often! Thank you!

Kim

[gwyneth]

Giving Google a site map may also help.