Favicon Hits=# of bookmarks?

[scottiecl]

Does anyone know if I can assume that the # of favicon hits a month equals the number of pages that have been bookmarked?

I think once you save the page, the favicon is then on the client computer and won't be pulled again unless it is changed.

Therefore, I could say that we have X number of pages being bookmarked a month which would be a nice stat to give to a potential advertiser or a client about their site. It indicates (in my mind) the value of the site to end users.

Anyone know of any flaws in that theory?

[JuniorHarris]

The favicon.ico file is used by IE, but not necessarily all browsers, so anyone book marking the site through any other browser may not be included in those numbers. In addition, if a link tag is used in the header to specify the favicon, it is possible a spider could follow and request the image.<link rel="shortcut icon" href="http://www.domain.com/favicon.ico">I also am thinking the favicon will "expire" if the site is not frequented within a certain time frame...though I'm not sure what that time frame is, I'm guessing at a couple weeks. At such time, the user could bookmark again, which would pull another copy and "refresh" the image on the browser computer.

Given all that, it can still be a good indicator to watch regarding any promotional campaigns and/or increases in usage. It's a number just like any other number, just be aware that maybe not all actual bookmarks are included. Regardless, 100 requests per month for favicon.ico has got to be better then 10!~;)

Here's a couple resources that may provide additional insight: How to Add a Shortcut Icon (http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/workshop/author/dhtml/howto/shortcuticon.asp)
Favicon.com (http://www.favicon.com/#1-1)
Favicon Instructions (http://www.xoomhacker.com/favicon.html)Though the number of favicon requests may not include all bookmarks, the number can still be used for comparative purposes in regards to previous and potential traffic. Additionally a fudge factor could be applied that is proportional to the percentage of non-IE/non-Favicon browsers...but that would be making a fairly large assumption.

I monitor the favicon.ico requests myself, and it is always good to see that number go up!~:eyes: However, the real stat to monitor is the referral log of 'bookmark' when the user returns by selecting the bookmark!~ I believe this log is recorded regardless of browser version used!~;)

[Matt B]

Favicon.gif downloads (not hits) are a good way to track the effectiveness of your site. Remember though, that it only is effective in tracking IE browsers. Netscape does not take the favicon file.

It is a good method of tracking the monthly take rate of visitors to the site. Bookmarks, forms, and newsletters are all ways of getting your visitor to take action, so track all methods together, as visitors are different. Some want to digest the info or compare it, so they bookmark to come back later. Others want more info right away, so they fill out a form or send an email for more info to compare or buy. So all these things together can help you determine the success of a site to satisfy your visitors' needs. Don't rely on just one method or you can have a distorted view of your visitor's actions.

A good month to month comparison of bookmarks is good, but remember to track quarter to quarter, etc. Over time is how you can judge the effectiveness of the site as you change copy and optimize the site; i.e., user interface, data structure, add additional information, etc.

[girafa]

Note also that Konqueror hits favicon.ico when it first vists a site (and after the favicon expires).

Considering the current popularity of Konquerer, I believe it will not bias your statistics too much.