Understanding digital lingo is a must in the modern era, especially if you interact with the online realm in any professional capacity. The three most commonly confused terms in digital marketing and web analytics are 'Website Visit', 'Page View', and 'Consent'. So, how do these terms differ, and how do they apply within the vast contours of digital demography? Let’s demystify this for you.
Website Visit
A 'website visit', often also referred to as a 'session', commences when a user initiates activity on your website. It encompasses the journey of a visitor, from their initial interaction on your platform till they leave or after a prolonged inactive period, approximately 30 minutes usually. A 'session' or 'website visit' can include multiple page views, events, or social interactions.
For example, imagine James, an online user, discovers your blog through a search engine. Once he clicks the link and lands on your page, one 'website visit' begins.
Page View
A 'page view', on the other hand, is counted every time a user (or visitor) loads or reloads a page on a website, irrespective of the number of sessions. In simpler terms, 'page view' is the number of times a specific webpage has been viewed by visitors.
Back to our example, if James clicks to read a page on your blog and then navigates to another page, it would count as two 'page views' within that single 'website visit'.
Consent
Are you familiar with those pop-up windows that you encounter when you land on certain websites, asking for your permission to use cookies or asking if you are okay with the website collecting your data? That’s where 'consent' comes in.
'Consent' in the digital world refers to the user's agreement to have their data collected, tracked, or processed. It is a critical legal requirement in today’s data-driven market, guaranteed by policies such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). It ensures businesses respect the privacy of their users and grants the customer fundamental control over their personal information.
Let's revisit James. On entering your blog from a California location, if a window pops up asking if he is okay with the site using cookies to improve his browsing experience, and he accepts, he has given 'consent.'
Users have the prerogative to either grant or withhold 'consent', and understanding this is crucial for businesses to respect user rights while also aligning their digital operations with governing data protection regulations.
At Secure Privacy, we emphasize the importance of 'consent' over 'website visits' or 'page views'. Why?
Because while understanding audience behavior and preferences is crucial for tailoring and delivering better experiences, maintaining trust and transparency with the audience is essential too. Through obtaining user ‘consent’, we ensure we respect their choices while using their data responsibly and ethically to improve our service.
To wrap up, 'website visits', 'page views', and 'consent' are interconnected elements of the digital world, each offering valuable insight in its way. 'Website visits' and 'page views' help in understanding online behavior patterns, while 'consent' confirms that data gathered is done responsibly. Endorsing 'consent' emphasizes the importance of an ethical and transparent approach to data usage.