HTTP_Referer Cookie Google Tracking

[mcode12]

Hello,

I am trying to track the keywords that people arrive at my page through Google.

I'm using the ServerVariable HTTP_Referer from which I can extract the keywords.

The reason I am doing this is to use PayPal's custom field to insert the keywords, so I'll know what someone has typed into Google and gone through a purchase.

My issue is I'll need to store the keywords in a cookie, just in case the visitor doesn't buy intially or goes to another site or page before coming back to buy.

So my question is twofold:

1. Will I need to check for the existence of the cookie each time the visitor comes to the site?
2. Will I need to check that the cookie has been updated (perhaps they have searched Google using new keywords)

Thanks.
MC.

 

[thompom]

use statcounter.com

 

[ChrisHirst]

thread333-1099654
thread333-991814

1. Will I need to check for the existence of the cookie each time the visitor comes to the site?

Yes How else are you going to know it's a returning visitor?

2. Will I need to check that the cookie has been updated (perhaps they have searched Google using new keywords)

You won't know if it's a return visitor unless you check the cookie and you won't know if they have used a different query unless you check the referer again.
Your cookie won't get updated by a visitor going to google and searching, only your server can update (or read) your cookie.

Chris.

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