How to Distinguish Between Returning and New Users?

Heatmap allows you to segment your data based on user types, specifically differentiating between new and returning visitors. This distinction can provide valuable insights into how different user groups interact with your website. Here's how to use this feature:

Understanding New vs Returning Users

- **New Users**: Visitors who are interacting with your website for the first time.

- **Returning Users**: Visitors who have been to your website before and are coming back for another session.

Steps to Filter by User Type

1. Log into your heatmap dashboard.

2. Navigate to the heatmap or report you want to analyze.

3. Look for the "Filters" option, typically located near the top of the page.

4. Click on "Filters" to open the filtering menu.

5. In the filtering menu, find the "User Type" or "Visitor Type" filter. This may be under a category like "User Behavior" or "Visit Information".

6. Select "User Type" to add it as an active filter.

7. You'll see options to choose between "New Users" and "Returning Users".

8. Select the user type you want to analyze.

9. Click "Apply" or "Save" to activate the filter.

10. The heatmap and associated data will now update to show only sessions from the selected user type.

Analyzing New vs Returning User Data

- Compare heatmaps for new and returning users to see how familiarity with your site affects user behavior.

- Look at metrics like time on site, pages viewed, and conversion rates for each user type.

- Use these insights to tailor your site design and content to better serve both new and returning visitors.

Tips for Using User Type Filters

- Combine the User Type filter with other filters like device type or traffic source for more detailed analysis.

- Consider creating separate heatmaps for new and returning users to easily compare them side by side.

- Use the User Type filter in conjunction with conversion funnels to see how familiarity impacts your conversion process.

Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble distinguishing between new and returning users:

- Ensure your heatmap tracking code is properly installed on all pages of your site.

- Check that you haven't accidentally applied conflicting filters.

- Verify that your site is correctly setting and reading cookies for user identification.

If you continue to experience issues with user type identification, please reach out to heatmap support for assistance.