emails, forms and traffic logs

[claimsweb]

Hello all,

Ive recently signed up to a business host to publish my commercial website - after sticking with my personal isp for far too long. I have a number of queries that I hope someone can help me with:

1) I would like to analyse my traffic in much more dpeth than my basic host traffic logs allow. Can anyone recommend a good traffic stat site / program that will allow me to see actual incoming url's rather than simply their SE source.

2) Any tips generally on key things to look for in traffic analysis if that isnt too dum a question? How do you get the most out of this info?

3) Is there any way to get a feedback form (say an application form) on an email that can be simply sent back by the user / customer with the info intact? I have a situation where some customers dont want to ring you but would prefer a low key business enquiry - I have forms on my ws but ideally need something to compliment an acknowledging email from my company.

Any help much appreciated.

Clancy

[sun818]

Hi for questions 1) and 2), I suggest looking at AXS by Fluid Dynamics. It requires that your web host allow custom CGI scripts. Their web site has an auto-install module which makes installations very simple in most cases.

[aus_dave]

Clancy, Funnel Web Analyser is a free stats program that can either work on the server log files locally or on the server. Very informative program.

I mostly watch the 404 pages to find errors and the search terms people are using to find my site. That way I get ideas for new articles to write that will in turn attract more traffic ;).

Question 3) I'm not sure what you were asking, but you could try having a protected form in Word format available for download, which the client could then fill out online and send in via email.

[veritysystems]

1) I use WebTrends

2) Look at everything! Search engine referrals, top paths through site, exit/entrance pages, time of day people view the site, visiting spiders.........

3) You could set up an autoresponder for this.

[JamesR]

Log analysis can yield some very enlightening information. For keyword phrases, I will occassionally surf (or you could run an automated report) of where I am actually ranked for the words. If you are getting 10 hits a day and ranked on the second page of the serps, that should tell you something. You also can find phrases to mix and match that you never thought of before. Overall, it gives you great insight into the mind of the surfer in the industry you are targeting.