Differences between data logging and page tagging
In the 1990's, web analytics was limited to analyzing data produced by the servers' own log files. Log analysis was mainly intended for webmasters, who could use the rather technical data to create a more technically sound website. When the Internet started to become a place of business and revenue, a new kind of website analysis method started to emerge. This new method relied on information provided by the visitor's browser and could better be moulded to suit the interest and requirements of sellers and marketers. These days more and more companies recognize the differenced between the two methods and page tagging is often chosen as the more suitable option for non-technical development and usage.
The limitations of data logging / log analyzers
Log statistics can not record the hits where the page request is made to a proxy server or a browser's cache
• Whenever a page is loaded from a proxy server or cache, the page load doesn't reach the actual web server and this causes there to be no record of the event
Search bots increase the number of "false hits" in log data if the search bots have not been filtered out
• This requires that the search bot list be continuously updated
• Browser-based page tagging uses JavaScript which search bots do generally not run
Log analyzers observe IP-addresses, not unique visitors
• The IP-addresses of private consumers are often dynamic. When the IP-address changes, the log analyzer misinterprets the user as being a different one than the last timeIn web logs, the data is processed slower and therefore can't be available immediately
• In many companies, all the staff share the same IP-address. In these cases, a log analyzer records only one visitor, even if everyone from the staff had visited the site independently of each other
• Logs can't produce data in real-time because all data must first be parsed and separately analyzed
Log analysis can not record other types of browser activity than downloads (downloads of pages, pictures, files or other elements).
• Flash animations and Flash sites can not be tracked with log analyzers
• File downloads can only be tracked as long as they reside on the same server as the server log
• Server logs can't record outbound links, nor can any artificial links be created to fix this
A programme has to be installed on the server for log analyzers to function
• For analyzing and reporting log data, a separate programme has to be added onto the web server which hosts the siteTracking multiple domains id difficult
• All domains must physically reside on the same server -> the logs of all domains must physically reside on the same server
Page tagging is used by Snoobi to provide marketers and sellers with accurate information
Snoobi presents reliable results because it can identify/recognize returning visitors
• Snoobi uses cookies to distinguish returning visitors from new ones
• The cookies are valid until the user empties them from the browser
Snoobi can measure which online channels bring in quality visitors. This makes it possible to evaluate which kinds of advertisements pay off
• By configuring ad tracking and goals into Snoobi, it's possible to track which advertisements or channels have worked to bring visitors who do a desired action, such as place an order or make contact through a form
Snoobi contains the information on how a website is working as far as fulfilling the function set for it
• Which are the pages are that receive interest and visits
• This information provides a good starting point for web development
With Snoobi, the settings can be edited at any time and therefore the user doesn't need to have everything configured from the very start
• All other settings except the ad tracking identifier and tracking files and links can be configured afterwards and they will provide information retroactively
You don't need to buy any extra hardware or software to make Snoobi work
• Once the tracking tag is in place, the report can be accessed via most Internet browsers
• The web pages needn't reside on the same server or any particular server
The client doesn't need to worry about updates or updating
• Snoobi is an ASP service
• Snoobi arranges all needed updates and new features directly into the account
Snoobi as a service
SnooBI Oy offers its clients Snoobi's web analytics and consultation services aimed at improving the client's e-business. One month after the necessary JavaScrip tagt /the Snoobi tag) has been added onto the website, our consults will call the main users and train them to understand and use the results to their benefit. Our customer service and helpdesk are available for all inquiries related to web analytics or Snoobi. Clients are also welcome to book an appointment and come over to our office for a training course in understanding web analytics. Updates are included in the regular annual license.