Peek-a-boo
November 29th, 2005
Like most companies out there, we have a web traffic-tracking program. In this case, it’s WebTrends. We can see how many hits we get from what companies in what cities and how they got to our site. It’s good to know after we make contact with a company if they came to check out our site and blog and how many individual users took a look. Yes Disney, Honda and Wachovia, I see you. And then there are the regulars that visit – like you, Imagitas and GSD&M.
But it’s also frustrating.
I’m armed with this information. This great information…but I want more. I don’t know WHO visited and how long they spent in a particular section. I can’t tell if it’s the receptionist or the CEO. When GM reads the blog or visits our site I find myself yelling at the screen, “Tell me who you are!!! Maybe we can help you!!!” And, of course, it’s impossible to track down who, exactly, is the curious soul that’s checking us out.
Overall, information is a great thing to have. Information is power. And it’s a great business development tool. We can track what companies, in what cities, in what countries are viewing us. But it’s hard not to feel at least just a little “big-brotherish” about all this. As this whole thing continues to evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how specific the technology gets and when it starts to cross the line.
Other posts by Spike.
DK says:
Hey Spike - a couple of weeks ago I was in the same position as you: checking my hits and getting impressed by who was checking me out but not being able to ‘connect’ with them to pursue any kind of relationship. Then, with the launch of my new website I solved it - take out the web stats/tracker altogether. Sure it’s great to see who’s watching but there’s a glass pane seperating you both and it only serves to get you frustrated. Just create reasons why people want to contact you and give them the avenues in which to do just that. Knowledge is not power anymore in this infromation-rich technological age - ideas (and the creation of) is. If you are still wanting to continue the ‘big brother’ position then check out the FREE web tracker @ statcounter.com - you will be able to track a lot more then.
February 21st, 2006 at 7:59 amI work for one of your clients says:
Spike, i agree with your points. But as someone who is on both sides of the issue, i really like the degree of anonymity that the web provides me. The Internet wouldn’t be the same without it. It’s one of the reasons that’s made it so prolific and useful. Happy Wordsmithing to you and everyone at BoF.
February 21st, 2006 at 7:59 amOlivier Blanchard says:
The safety of anonymity = The fear that you’ll try to sell them something. ;D (Well… not “you”, necessarily.)
February 21st, 2006 at 8:00 am