Data
Data has a bad rep, especially when it comes to websites. From selling out to getting breeched to analytic overload, it can be a lot. Here are a few ways to navigate (and utilize the value) of data without getting tangled up in all the weird stuff:
Privacy Policy/T&C: Privacy policy outlines how you collect, use, and protect your visitors data (protecting your users rights) while T&C sets rules and expectations for using your website (protecting your website). Both together keep you safe legally and are highly recommended (read: non-negotiable)
→ Termfeed.com is a free option for basic protections
Cookie policy: These aren’t just there to annoy you, whether you’re a software company, burger shop, or a landscaper--they tell your users how you’re using cookies and are legally required in many states (including VA!)
→ cookiepolicygenerator.com is a free option for Basic protections
→ ghostplugins.com has some cool little customizations to make it a little more fun
Now that the legal stuff out of the way, this is the fun part. If you’re starting out on your data journey, here are some things to start looking in to:
Conversion rate: This measures how effectively your site is reaching it’s goals by measuring what percentage of visitors are doing what you want them to do (purchasing, registering, booking, etc.).
Traffic sources: Understanding where your visitors are coming from (search, socials, direct, etc.) enables you to better understand your user’s journey and optimize for it. For example if the majority of your visitors are finding you on search but you’re investing more time into your facebook page, it might be time to recalibrate.
Bounce Rate: The percentage of users leaving your site after visiting one page. A high bounce rate can indicate that your visitors aren’t finding what they’re looking for or they’re not into your site’s content, but improving your sites user experience and content can help keep people engaged!
