Google I/O 2017 highlights – Day 1

Analytics are essential for informing website redesigns since they offer insightful data on user behavior, website performance, and areas that may be improved. Here is a list of frequently used analytics tools to guide data-driven design that can be applied at different stages of the website redesign process. 

1. Google Analytics:

Use case scenario: Website Audit, Research, Analysis, and Technical Assessment
Usage: Find popular sites, entry/exit points, and metrics related to user engagement by analyzing traffic sources, user demographics, and behavior flow. Recognize regions of friction or pain points by understanding user journeys. Evaluate the performance of your website, taking note of conversion rates, bounce rates, and page load times.

2. Hotjar:

Use case scenario: Research, Analysis, Heat Maps, User Experience Evaluation
Usage: Use session recordings, user surveys, and heatmaps to learn more about how people interact with the website. Determine the high and low engagement regions and any usability problems, including unclear navigation or form abandonment. Utilizing behavior analysis and feedback, ascertain the intentions and preferences of users.

3. Crazy Egg:
Use case scenario: Website Audit, Research, Analysis
Usage: Like Hotjar, with Crazy Egg, you can create heatmaps, scrollmaps, and clickmaps to show how users interact with the various website elements. Determine trends, patterns, and areas of interest in user behaviour. To evaluate various design aspects and gauge their effect on user engagement and conversions, utilize A/B testing functionalities.

4. SEMrush:

Use case scenario: Research, Analysis, SEO Optimization
Usage: Conduct keyword research to identify relevant search terms and phrases related to the website’s content and industry. Analyze competitor websites to understand their SEO strategies and identify opportunities for improvement. Monitor website rankings, backlinks, and organic traffic to track the effectiveness of SEO efforts.

5. Similarweb:
Use case scenario: Research, Website Traffic, and Demography, Competitor Analysis
Usage: By offering insights into the traffic sources, audience demographics, and engagement metrics of competitors, Similarweb facilitates website redesigns. It influences marketing tactics, SEO optimization, content development, and decision-making processes by pointing out areas for growth and providing guidance. During the research and analysis stage, use Similarweb data to benchmark against competitors and guide design decisions.

6. Moz:
Use case scenario: Research, Analysis, SEO Optimization
Usage: Conduct website audits in order to find technical SEO problems like missing meta tags, duplicate content, and broken links. Keep an eye on a website’s indexability and crawlability to make sure search engines can access and comprehend its material. To find and reject backlinks that are spammy or of poor quality, use link analysis tools.

7. Ahrefs:
Use case scenario: Research, Analysis, SEO Optimization

Usage: Examine the backlink profiles of your rivals to find any gaps in your own backlink portfolio and possible prospects for link-building. Examine the performance of your content to find the most popular pages and subjects that appeal to your target market. Track social media activity and brand mentions to gain insight into your online reputation and presence.

8. Google Search Console:

Use case scenario: Technical Assessment, SEO Optimization
Usage: Monitor website indexing status, crawl errors, and security issues reported by Google. Submit XML sitemaps and individual URLs for indexing. Identify and fix mobile usability issues, structured data errors, and manual actions that may affect search engine visibility.

9. Adobe Analytics:
Use case scenario: Website Audit, Research, Analysis,
Usage: Track user interactions across multiple channels and touchpoints, including websites, mobile apps, and offline interactions. Segment users based on demographics, behavior, and lifecycle stage to personalize marketing efforts and improve user experience. Utilize advanced analytics features such as path analysis, cohort analysis, and predictive analytics to uncover actionable insights.

10. Google Trends:

Use case scenario: Content Strategy, Keyword Research, User Intent Analysis
Usage: For competitor analysis, user intent analysis, and keyword research, Google Trends is used in website redesigns. It helps in content strategy, seasonal planning, SEO optimization, and strategic decision-making. It directs the production of user-centric content, increasing traffic and engagement, by spotting trends and insights.

About the Author:

Vijendra is currently working as a Sr. UX Designer at Mantra Labs. He is passionate about UXR and Product Design.