Capturing Data On Your Website Part 2

CAPTURING DATA ON YOUR WEBSITE & WHAT TO DO WITH IT – PART 2

So how do you track users?

There are a variety of different methods that can be used to track website users, including cookies, fingerprinting, and tracking pixels. Cookies are small text files that collect information about user activity on a website and can also be used for targeted advertising. Fingerprinting is another newer method of tracking that involves collecting data about a user's device and browser settings to create a unique fingerprint. This fingerprint can then be used to track the user across different websites. Tracking pixels are small images that are placed on a website and can be used for targeted advertising. In order to comply with GDPR regulations, it is necessary to display an opt-in consent form for visitors before collecting any personal data. Personal data is any piece of information that can identify a person, such as cookies, digital fingerprints, and IP addresses.

Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on a user's device when they visit a website. Cookies can be used to track how users interact with a website and can also be used to show targeted advertising. Cookies collect information such as;

• Name and password
• Location
• The number of times a user visits a website or page
• Preferences such as likes, preferred language, font size etc.

There are two types of cookies; Session cookies expire at the end of a browser session. These cookies are temporarily stored on the user's computer and not on the hard drive of the device. Persistent cookies are long term. They are stored on the user's computer and contain information about website visits, page likes and login details to name a few. Cookies can be deleted by the user at any time and most browsers will give you the option to do this. However, if you delete all cookies, you may have to re-enter your details on websites that you visit frequently.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is a newer method of tracking that is not as well-known as cookies. Fingerprinting involves tracking a user's device and browser settings to create a unique fingerprint. This fingerprint can then be used to track the user across different websites. Fingerprinting is more difficult to block than cookies as it does not rely on text files placed on the user's device. However, there are some browsers that have created features to block fingerprinting.

Tracking pixels

Tracking pixels are small images that are placed on a website. These pixels can be used to track how users interact with a website and can also be used for targeted advertising. Tracking pixels are similar to cookies in that they can be used to track user behaviour. However, tracking pixels are more difficult to block as they are small images that are not always easy to spot. There are a few different ways that you can track your website users. Which method you use will depend on your business needs. Cookies, fingerprinting, and tracking pixels are all effective methods of tracking and can be used to show targeted advertising. By understanding how to collect data from your website visitors, you can start to improve the performance, understand your customers and deliver better and more targeted advertising. However, you must be aware of the regulations around collecting your potential customer's data. GDPR requires you to display an opt-in consent form for visitors before collecting their personal data. Personal data is any piece of information that can identify a person such as; cookies, digital fingerprints and IP addresses. Are you thinking about getting a website for your small business?

If you would like to know more about how to get started with an Ecommerce website then please take a look at www.thewebguys.co.uk or even book in a meeting directly with Brian to discuss how to get started using this link https://thewebguys.zohobookings.eu/#/customer/brianlynggaard