Term: "Return Visitor"
Definition
In the context of web analytics, a Return Visitor is defined as someone who has previously accessed a website and then revisits it one or more times. Web analytics platforms distinguish between new and returning visitors by placing and then reading cookies in the visitor's web browser. When a user first visits a site, the analytics tool sets a cookie with a unique identifier. If the user comes back to the site and the cookie is still present and hasn't expired, the analytics tool recognizes the visitor as a returning user based on the unique identifier.
Tracking Return Visitors is crucial for understanding user engagement and loyalty to a website. High numbers of return visitors can indicate that the site is providing valuable content, a good user experience, or effective incentives for users to come back. Analyzing the behavior of returning visitors, such as the frequency of their visits, the pages they view, and the actions they take, can provide insights into which aspects of the site are most appealing or may need improvement. This data helps website owners and marketers to optimize their content and marketing strategies to enhance user retention and engagement.