Since the launch of our brand-new HADARS website in late November, we’ve been keeping an eye on how people are finding and using it. The response so far has been encouraging, and we’re thrilled to share some insights into how the site is performing. This data offers a glimpse into how the website is connecting with both local and international amateur radio enthusiasts, and it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the website’s success in its early days.
Who’s Been Visiting the Site?
In total, we’ve had 116 visitors to the website since it went live. Unsurprisingly, most of these visitors (75) are from the United Kingdom. It’s great to see our local community engaging with the site so actively. Halifax itself has contributed 13 visitors, and neighbouring towns such as Huddersfield, Leeds, Brighouse, and Manchester have also shown good levels of activity.
What’s even more exciting is that the website is starting to attract an international audience. Visitors from the United States are the second-largest group, with 28 users checking out the site. We’ve also had a few visitors from countries such as Germany, France, Bangladesh, Seychelles, and Canada. Amateur radio has a truly global reach, and it’s heartening to see HADARS being discovered by enthusiasts from around the world.
When Are People Visiting?
The busiest period for the website was the first two weeks after its launch, particularly towards the end of November and early December. During this time, we saw a surge in activity, with many users exploring the new layout and content. This shows there was significant interest in the launch, and it’s encouraging to see that momentum continue as the weeks go on. Traffic has steadied but remains consistent, with regular daily visits.
The timing of this launch also coincided with the holiday season, which might explain why we saw increased activity as people had more free time to explore the site. It’s interesting to note that users seem to visit at different times of the day, giving us valuable information about when our audience is most active.
What Devices Are Being Used?
Looking at how visitors access the site, desktop computers are the most popular choice, accounting for 63% of visits. This makes sense given the technical nature of amateur radio, where many enthusiasts use desktops as part of their radio setups. It’s clear that the website is catering well to this audience, providing an accessible and easy-to-navigate experience on larger screens.
However, mobile devices aren’t far behind, representing 34% of visits. This highlights the importance of ensuring the site remains fully functional and user-friendly on smaller screens, as mobile usage is a growing trend even among technical audiences. A small number of visitors (3%) accessed the site via tablets, rounding out the device preferences.
Popular Browsers and Resolutions
Google Chrome is the most widely used browser, with over half of our visitors preferring it. Safari comes in second, followed by Edge and Firefox, with smaller numbers using other browsers such as Samsung Internet. It’s reassuring to know that the website works seamlessly across these platforms, ensuring a smooth experience for all users.
When it comes to screen resolutions, we’ve seen a mix of old and new. The most common resolution is 800×600, which might reflect some users with older equipment. On the other hand, 1920×1080, a modern high-definition standard, is also popular. This range shows that our audience uses a variety of devices, and it underscores the importance of responsive design to accommodate everyone.
What Are People Searching For?
Search engines are playing a vital role in driving traffic to the HADARS website. The most common search term bringing visitors to us is, of course, “HADARS.” This is fantastic, as it shows that people are actively seeking out our organisation. Other search terms include “amateur radio society” and “amateur radio UK,” which indicate that the website is gaining visibility among people interested in the broader amateur radio community.
Interestingly, even searches with minor typos, such as “amature radio,” have led people to the site. This highlights the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO) and shows that our efforts to make the site discoverable are working.
How Long Are People Staying?
On average, visitors from the UK are spending over three minutes exploring the site, a strong indicator that they find the content engaging and relevant. New visitors tend to spend even more time, often looking at multiple pages, which suggests they’re taking the time to learn about HADARS and what we offer.
Returning visitors, while spending less time on average, are likely coming back for specific updates or content they know is there. This is a positive sign that the site is becoming a reliable resource for our audience.
Where Do We Go From Here?
These early statistics are a great starting point, and they show that the HADARS website is off to a strong start. It’s wonderful to see the mix of local and international visitors, the variety of devices being used, and the ways people are finding the site.
We’ll continue to monitor these trends and look for ways to make the website even better. Whether it’s adding new content, improving functionality, or reaching out to more amateur radio enthusiasts, there’s plenty of room to grow. For now, we’re thrilled with the response and look forward to seeing even more activity in the weeks and months to come.
Thank you to everyone who has visited the site so far. Your support and feedback are invaluable, and we’re excited to keep building on this early success!