How to Manage Your Web Traffic Using Godaddy

Using site statistics to understand the traffic your Web site draws can help you manage and/or increase traffic to your site. GoDaddy offers free site statistics with hosting plans and an additional site statistics package called Traffic Facts available for a monthly fee. You can also purchase a traffic optimization package from them called Traffic Blazer.

Things You'll Need

• GoDaddy hosting account
• Computer with Internet access
• Online form of payment

Instructions

Set up Traffic Facts

1. Go to the homepage for GoDaddy (see Resources below). Go to the "Hosting and Servers" menu. Select the "Traffic Facts" option.

2. Review the information provided to determine whether you want to pay for Traffic Facts. Note that site statistics are included with your hosting account. Purchase Traffic Facts if you need additional features, like the ability to export data to spreadsheets or access raw data log files.

3. Choose a time period. You can try Traffic Facts, with a monthly charge, for a minimum of three months or a maximum of two years.

4. Click the "Add to Cart" button. Look through the options on the "Customize Your Order" page that will appear. Consider the "Traffic Blazer" option, a service designed to help increase traffic to your Web site.

5. Choose the additional options you want to purchase, if any, by checking the boxes provided and using the scroll-down menus to select an appropriate plan or term. Click "Continue." You will have an opportunity to add more services. Click "Continue" to proceed to "Checkout" and pay for your order.

6. Head back to the homepage for GoDaddy. Log in to your account. Choose "Web Hosting and Databases" from the list and select the account you want to manage with Traffic Facts.

7. Select "Apply Traffic Links to This Account."

Evaluate the Results

1. Study the figures brought in by Traffic Facts and/or Traffic Blazer. They can help you pinpoint problem areas of your site as well as help you manage what is currently working.

2. Make changes to your site based on the information provided. For example, eliminate links that scored low in the "Link Popularity Report."

Tips & Warnings

• Increase your Web traffic using GoDaddy's "Express Email Marketing" program. Consider a bi-annual campaign to remind contacts and clients that your Web site is in operation.

• Get help from the Help Desk (see Resources below) if you are having difficulty understanding SEO reports from Traffic Blazer.

• Check to be certain you are working with the real GoDaddy site by verifying the security certificates at the bottom of the page. GoDaddy displays the "Trust-e" and "Confirmed" icons, as well as the famous yellow padlock at the bottom of each page.