Website visitor tracking

Website visitor tracking (WVT) is the analysis of visitor behaviour on a website. Analysis of an individual visitor's behaviour may be used to provide that visitor with options or content that relates to their implied preferences; either during a visit or in the future. Use of WVT technologies can be controversial when applied in the context of a private individual; and to varying degrees is subject to legislation such as the EU's eCommerce Directive[1] and the UK's Data Protection Act.[2] When it is done without the knowledge of a user, it may be considered a breach of browser security.

However in a business to business context understanding a web site visitors behaviour in order to identify buying intentions is seen by many commercial organisations as an effective way to target marketing activities.[3] Visiting companies can be approached, both on and offline, with marketing and sales propositions which are relevant to their current requirements. From the point of view of a sales organisation, engaging with a potential customer when they are actively looking to buy can produce huge savings in otherwise wasted marketing funds.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "EU's eCommerce Directive". Ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2012-08-03.
  2. ↑ "UK's Data Protection Act". Opsi.gov.uk. Retrieved 2012-08-03.
  3. ↑ "Website visitor tracking going too far?". Prospectvision.net. Retrieved 2012-08-03.