What is Hotjar and what is it used for? A simple explanation

What is Hotjar?

Hotjar is a powerful analytics and feedback tool that allows you to understand how users behave on your website. It visually and in detail shows where your visitors click, how far they scroll, and how they move across pages.

What Are the Main Features of Hotjar?

Hotjar is a versatile platform designed for website analytics and user feedback. Its main purpose is to track, analyze, and improve user behavior and experience (UX). Below are Hotjar’s most important features:

1. Heatmaps

Heatmaps visually show how users interact with your website. There are several types:

• Click Heatmap: Shows where users click the most

• Move Heatmap: Tracks where the mouse cursor moves across the page

• Scroll Heatmap: Displays how far down the page users scroll

These maps help you understand which content gets attention and what might be overlooked.

2. Session Recordings

Hotjar records real user sessions like videos. With these recordings, you can see in detail:

• Where users click

• Where they get stuck

• At which point they leave the site

This is very helpful for identifying and fixing website issues.

3. Feedback Tools

Hotjar offers various tools to collect feedback directly from users:

• Incoming Feedback: Users can share thoughts about your site at any moment

• Feedback Widget: A sliding widget on the side of the site asking “What do you think?”

• Surveys: Ask users short or detailed questions to collect deeper insights

4. Conversion Funnel Analysis

This feature analyzes the user journey through conversion steps. It helps you identify where users are dropping off the most.

5. Form Analysis

It tracks how users interact with forms on your site. You can learn which fields are most completed, where users stop, and what doesn't work properly.

6. Timed and Segmented Surveys

Hotjar lets you display surveys based on timing or user actions (e.g., about to leave the site). This allows for more targeted and valuable feedback.

Integrating Hotjar with Your Website

Compatibility with WordPress, Shopify, Wix, etc.
Hotjar works seamlessly with most CMS platforms and website builders. It’s usually installed via plugin or by adding a small code snippet.

Installation via Google Tag Manager
You can easily add the Hotjar script through GTM without writing any code – just once and it's done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hotjar safe to use? 

Yes, Hotjar is GDPR-compliant and takes data privacy very seriously.

Does Hotjar affect SEO? 

No, Hotjar does not negatively affect your website’s load speed or SEO performance.

Can I track mobile user behavior? 

Yes, Hotjar supports tracking for both desktop and mobile devices.

Do I need technical skills to use Hotjar? 

Basic setup is simple and can be done without coding using tools like GTM.