Traffic graphing

Our shopping cart system includes detailed tracking of every unique visit to the site from start to finish. Along with the standard Webalizer-like statistics and conversion tracking for ad campaigns (e.g. Google AdWords) and affiliates, we provide some more sophisticated analysis of site usage. For a quick visual overview of the path a given user takes through the site, we generate a DOT graph file and pass it through Graphviz. This is done on the fly from the administration site.

The system is currently being used by spartacusleathers.com. We can't give you access to the administrative end of their site, obviously, but we can show you a few sample graphs taken from their 2005 traffic. Larger imagemaps are available from each thumbnail. (Note: given the adult nature of Spartacus's business, those with sensitive dispositions may not wish to view the larger samples.)

A small, straightforward visit. The user came in from Google, purchased one item, looked at another, and left.

A slightly more complex visit. The user entered from an excite.com search, and surfed around a bit, adding various items to their shopping cart. After checking out, they also ordered a catalog.

A very complicated visit. This session lasted over an hour, and dozens of items were added to the cart. The user came in with no outside referer, and went straight to the login page before shopping — a returning customer.