A reader of one of my articles posted an interesting question as a comment. I reproduce it and my answer here:
Melanie: I was wondering if you had any thoughts on how to evaluate repeat visitors to a website, specifically why they were visiting again. I know some people have surveys and such that pop up but those seem to be more annoying than anything. Do you have any other ideas on how to evaluate these users? Specifically I know of a particular ip address that has visited my website over 100 times.
Nelson:
Hi Melanie,
Your weather data site looks interesting 
The key reason for tracking repeat visitors is you want to know their names and if possible, their faces too. Some steps I suggest include:
1) Put up a Web 2.0 widget like MyBlogLog on your blog. Widgets will point back to visitors’ Web 2.0 accounts where you will know your visitors’ profile.
2) E-mail some interesting questions to your subscribers and encourage your subscribers to reply to you. Encourage blog commenting also.
3) Get more involved in Facebook and other social sites. Observe friends with similar interests. They are your most likely repeat visitors if you can get their attention with new content and stuff.
4) Personally greet them and say you know them because they visited or downloaded this and that. You project yourself as personally remembering them for past actions and that gives them a good feeling you are an attentive friend.
You’re not going to know everyone in the world, but if you know a few that can form a “critical mass” and elevate their status as peers and become your potential sales force, you gain leverage.
It can work both ways, If my memory slips, remind me you are Melanie from WeatherARC Have a great week!
