Reviewing website visitor statistics is key prior to the development of a new site build. Considering these stats during the planning of a site will very likely produce the intended result, as well as optimal visitor experience.

Developing for every browser on every operating system can be daunting (and waste an enormous amount of time and money if development time is spent on an obsolete browser). Accessing and reviewing existing site stats gives you information about which browsers your target audience is using so that you can develop wisely.

One of the ways to obtain site visitor information is through Google Analytics. A majority of sites these days already have the tracking code installed. A technical profile (see image above) from website visitor stats shows the number of visitors, the percentage of visitors from each browser, connection speeds, and so on. You will also be able to view additional information on Browsers, Operating Systems, Screen Colors, Screen Resolutions, Flash Versions, and Java Support.

Using website visitor statistics in the planning of your site design allows for optimal site development and eliminates the risk of losing customers that comes with not developing for the proper browser or operating system.

Here's an example of what could happen if visitor stats are not checked prior to development:

  • A new website gets designed/developed viewable in IE6/PC only.
  • Sometime later, stats are finally checked and it's found that 57% use IE7/ PC, 30% use FF/ PC, and 13% use miscellaneous browsers.
  • IE7 and FF visitors who had visited the site were left unimpressed, do not return and can be considered lost customers.
  • Development time is now spent playing catch-up to style for the correct browser versions and additional planning time is spent trying to win back lost visitors.

Checking website visitor statistics prior to developing is preferable but not everyone does it.

Some style for the screen they are looking at with the thought that if it looks good to them, it must look good to the rest of the world. Or the other extreme of styling for every browser out there, wasting an enormous amount of time and money in development.

Checking statistics of site visitor usage can determine how to approach site development to get the best result, thus avoiding losing customers and losing money in unnecessary development. A business owner does not want a developer wasting time on unnecessary coding and a client does not want to be billed for unnecessary work. But both expect excellent results, which is where reviewing tracking statistics of website visitors comes in.

Final thought: Review site stats PRIOR to development, providing this information to Client, Account Manager, Project Manager, Designer, and Developer of the project. A website will not be effective if it is not viewable and remembering to check stats first will help to ensure optimal site visitor experience.

Contact Ronnie at ronnie@praxisagency.com