In a word, no.

What is the difference between a hit and a visitor? The difference between a "hit" and a "visitor" just may shock you. A "hit" is not a visitor but a hit on the web server. What is a hit on the web server? A graphic, java applet, the html file, etc. So, if a site has 79 small graphics on the page -- including the html file, every visitor to the site registers as 80 hits on the server! So, 80,000 hits translates to just a 1,000 visitors. Big difference, isn't it?

Unfortunately, many web site owners tell you the "hits" to purposely make you think that a "hit" is a "visitor". Don't be fooled again.

What about using counters? The problem with counters is they are set up to measure "page views" not unique visitors. After all, we are more concerned with unique visitors on the web. Counters can be manipulated easily.

For example, if you visit a web site and you see a counter, press the "Reload" button. Does the counter increase by one? If so, the counter is worthless. Do you see what the webmaster can do? Just sit there all day and hit reload and increase the hit count. But why do that? Counters can be set at any starting value. Just start it at 3,123,984 and show your friends what a great site you have. Or do you?

We suggest that you not have a counter on your site. But, without a counter, how do you know what your traffic is?

Use a web traffic analysis program.

Your web host should automatically provide you with a traffic analysis program. For some of you, their freebie may not be enough to tell you all that you want to know.

For an in-depth discussion on web analysis and tools, see our article on Understanding Web Traffic Through Log Files.


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2000, 2006, WebMarketingNow.com

Jerry West is the Director of Internet Marketing for Web Marketing Now. He has been consulting on the web since 1996 and has assisted hundreds of companies gain an upper-hand over their competition. Visit http://www.webmarketingnow.com  for the latest in marketing tips that are tested and proven.

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