If you created a website to start a new business on the internet, your website traffic statistics can help you in your marketing strategy plan. But first you need to understand what they are for and how to use them because by using these stats you should be able to bring in additional new traffic and have repeat customers. The three basic terms in website traffic statistics that you need to be familiar with are: page loads (or page views), first time visitors, and returning visitors. If you want to succeed doing business on the Internet these three basic terms can help you plan your website strategy.

Page loads (page views)

This is a very important section to look at. You will be able to see which one of your web pages are getting the most traffic. Much of your traffic may not come in through your homepage, and this can help you see what are your popular pages. If you have other pages that are receiving little to no traffic, you may want to review the other pages and see if more product information is needed or possible an image. You may even need to change the product.

First time visitors

This stat is typically based on a cookie, and if a visitor does not show a cookie in their system for ever being at your website, they would be considered a first time visitor. Many statistic software will show you where this person came from to view your site. Just a few of the ways they arrived could be; your ad link from another site, traffic generated by a search engine, an e-mail newsletter you sent out or a posting in a forum. If you are not able to see where they came from (as in no referring link) refer to your traffic stats program. The value of this information will show you if your marketing efforts are reaching your intended audience or if you may need to step up your efforts.

Returning visitors

Are you having more first time visitors and not many returning visits? If your website is selling products, take a look at your product selection or the information that your site contains. Do you update or are you letting the information become stale? If you are receiving many returning visitors, take a look at their page views what are they looking at, are they purchasing your products or wanting to see what specials you have available.

These website traffic statistics need to be used together to see the whole picture of what is working, what is not and if not, trying different ways to see what will work. Your business plan may need to be possibly updated or even changed at regular intervals to keep up with the changing Net.