Conversion Optimisation
Session
Plain English
One visit to a website or app.
Definition
A session is a single period of user glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term with a product, from entry to exit within a defined timeframe.
In practice
Used to track user activity, glossaryBehaviourBehaviour refers to how users interact with a system, including actions, patterns, and responses.Open glossary term, and glossaryEngagementEngagement refers to how users interact with a product, content, or experience, including actions like clicks, time spent, and interactions.Open glossary term during visits.
In context
Its boundaries are a measurement convention, not a real thing. A user who steps away for forty minutes starts a new session and appears in the glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term as a different visit.
The reality
Sessions simplify glossaryBehaviourBehaviour refers to how users interact with a system, including actions, patterns, and responses.Open glossary term - users may return multiple times or switch devices, making tracking imperfect.
Compared with
Session vs User
A session is one period of activity. A user is a person across all of them. Metrics per session and per user tell different stories, and mixing the two is a common reporting error.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a session?
A session is a single visit or glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term period with a product.
How long does a session last?
It depends on analytics settings, often ending after inactivity.
Why are sessions important?
They help measure glossaryUser BehaviourUser behaviour refers to how users interact with a product, including actions, patterns, and decision-making processes.Open glossary term and glossaryEngagementEngagement refers to how users interact with a product, content, or experience, including actions like clicks, time spent, and interactions.Open glossary term.
What is the difference between users and sessions?
Users are individuals, while sessions are their visits.
Related Services
Related Guides
Related Terms
