Log File Analysis and SEO

[thejenn]

Full Text: http://www.searchengineguide.com/kal.../0523_kj1.html

Some Snippets:

"If you own or manage a website, you are probably already aware of the importance of your log files or site statistics. Did you know that they can highlight the success or failure of your search engine optimization campaign?"

"Have a close look at the search terms used to find your site. Single Access Pages can often indicate that your target search terms are too broad."

"If your optimization is effective, the Top Entry Pages and Most Requested Pages should be those that you have optimized for target keywords. The Top Entry Pages are particularly relevant as you consider the pathways through your site. Do the most popular entry pages have any relationship to the start pages for your plotted visitor pathways?"

[StupidScript]

Too true. Live and breathe 'em, every day. How else are you going to know what's happening? Not giving your log files some kind of reading, either with a stats program (many free ones out there) or by eye is like never visiting your store to see what customers are up to, what they like, what they are talking about, and how your sales staff is behaving ...

Good overview article about a critical analysis tool. Finally explains why you should care about "Exit Pages"!

(May all your exit pages be sales confirmation pages.)

[TwinWillow]

I have finally jumped in & want to put my "learn'n" to work. (See my new member post)

I am looking for suggestions on how to find a service for Log File Analysis. If anyone has any recommendations, can you also tell me how to rate their reliability.

[thejenn]

When it comes to Log File Analysis, ClickTracks is hands down my first choice.

www.clicktracks.com

They aren't cheap, but they're also not crazy expensive. If you do any type of PPC or email campaigns they are well worth the money in that campaign tracking is well integrated into the system.

[codeplacidly]

What sort of stats analysis packages do ppl use?

Yup, still researching ways to enhance that work website

Jax

[thejenn]

I'm a ClickTracks junkie...but it's fairly expensive...$500 for the base level, couple thousand for the high end...

[jmjj215]

Google Analytics is quite good - and it's free. Statcounter is reasonably priced, simple, and effective. I use both.

[codeplacidly]

Thought google analytics wasn't open to new signups atm? Or is that something else entirely...getting confused with the range of google offerings atm!

Doubt I'm going to persuade them to go for anything in the beyond say $10 a month range...

Jax

[jmjj215]

Actually, I wasn't even aware of that - but it could very well be true.

[Malaysiamanufac]

i recommend statcounter.com , it can help you analyse where is the visitor come from, how long they stay in your website, from which search engine and what keywords they get you etc... worth a try