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Search Engine Visitors Behave Differently

Introduction.

When looking through website statistics, it is not surprising to find search engines bringing substantial traffic. However, did you know many of these visitors only look at one page, then leave.

In contrast, visitors coming through bookmarks and direct links stay longer. And, the people who really stay and explore the site, come through links from related sites.

Why do search engine visitors stay the least amount of time on a website.

Different types of traffic.

There are at least three different kinds of visitors to websites.
  • People come from search engines.

    They tend to come, to one of a few pages, read it, and leave.

  • People who are regulars.

    They look to see what's new, and leave.

  • People come from other sites.

    They haven't seen the site before. They spend a lot of time browsing.

The referral.

A link from related websites serve as a "testimony". It indicates the website, they just left, believes you offer valuable information. Some human (allegedly) chose to say "this site is good enough to get more information." This assumes the link isn't from a scraper type directory.

The SERPS are just a list of websites matching a keyword search. Often, if you don't hook the visitor quickly, they are gone. They simply move to the next website in the results.

Shopping Mall Analogy.

Search engine visitors average fewer pages, than those following links from other sites, or following bookmarks. Often, targeted ads do better.

Methods, other than search engines, are used by people wanting to go to your site. Search engines are more likely to be people looking for some new place they have not been before.

Think of it like having a store in a big mall. Bookmark people are the ones going to the mall, only to your store. Why? They have been there before and know its value.

People following links are comparable to asking their freind Bob where he shops for blue widgets. He suggests they head to your store in the mall.

Search engine traffic is more like those people already walking around at the mall. They see something interesting on a display, and come in to take a look. The vast majority of them wander around and wander back the way they came.

However, a small percentage stay and browse. They buy something, or add you to their "bookmarks".

Conclusion.

Be realistic with your expectations of traffic. Of course, this means understanding the different types of traffic. However, with some adjustments to a website, you are able to optimize content to the different wants of these visitors.



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