Website traffic is one of the key metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of your web resource. Understanding how many users visit your site, where they come from, and how they interact with the content helps optimize business development strategies and improve user experience. There are many tools available that allow for detailed analysis of website traffic, each offering its own features.
Let’s review some of the main methods for checking traffic statistics, ranging from free tools to paid services for in-depth SEO analysis.
1. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is one of the most popular and multifunctional tools for collecting data on your website’s traffic. It provides detailed analytics that allows you to track the number of visitors, their actions on the site, traffic sources, and other important metrics.
To access the statistics, follow these steps:
- Register for a Google Analytics account.
- Install the tracking code on your site.
- In the “Reports” section, you can view:
- Number of visitors and sessions
- Traffic sources (organic search, direct visits, social media)
- Time spent on pages and depth of page views, etc.
Google Analytics is ideal for both basic and in-depth traffic analysis and offers a powerful set of features completely free of charge. Of course, if you need to see visibility metrics—such as the number and percentage values—you will need to calculate them yourself.
2. Google Search Console
Google Search Console provides insights into how your site appears in Google search results. This tool helps track the development of your site, user dynamics, technical details, and more.
To use Google Search Console:
- Connect your site to the console.
- Go to the “Performance” section, where you can see:
- The number of clicks for specific search queries.
- The number of impressions of your site in search results.
- CTR (Click-Through Rate) and average position of your site for keywords.
This tool is free and offers comprehensive information on how your site performs in search engines.
3. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a popular tool for professional SEO analysis. It provides comprehensive information about your site once you verify ownership through a Google account.
To use Ahrefs for analyzing your site:
- Register on the Ahrefs platform.
- Add your site and verify ownership.
- You can view organic traffic, search queries, and analyze backlinks.
To analyze competitor sites, you’ll need to purchase a subscription plan that provides access to advanced information.
For visibility metrics, use the “Rank Tracker” tab to get detailed results.
4. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a tool with a 14-day free trial that offers powerful features for SEO analysis and monitoring your site’s positions in search engines.
During the trial period, you can:
- View your site’s traffic.
- Assess key queries through which users find your site.
- Analyze competitor positions and gather important SEO data.
After the trial period, you’ll need to choose a subscription plan to continue using the tool.
You can check your site’s visibility both in the “Positions” – “Overview” section and in the “Analytics and Traffic” tab.
5. Serpstat
Serpstat is another SEO tool that provides an overview of your site’s statistics through the “Site Analysis” – “Summary Report” section. You can view basic traffic and keyword data for free, but advanced features require a subscription plan.
Key features of Serpstat include:
- Keyword and traffic analysis.
- Viewing your site’s visibility in search engines.
- Advanced features for comprehensive SEO audits.
Monitoring website traffic is a crucial aspect of managing a web resource. By using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SE Ranking, and Serpstat, you can obtain comprehensive analytics and understand how to improve your site. Free tools offer basic monitoring functions, while professional services provide deeper insights into SEO and competitor analysis.