topic Re: Detect whether page visitor is new or returning in CMS Development

Detect whether page visitor is new or returning

JLiles — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:39:24 GMT

Is there a simple way to detecth whether a page visitor is new or returning in HubSpot CMS? I would like to display different content depending on whether they are new or returning, regardless of whether they have filled out a form and become a contact.

Ideally, it would be a smart content option, but it doesn't look like it is supported there. Less ideally, I would like to use some combination of JavaScript and HubL to use (set, if necessary) cookies.

Re: Detect whether page visitor is new or returning

dennisedson — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:26:39 GMT

@JLiles

How does smart content not work for this situation?

@jonchim , @piersg any thoughts here?

Re: Detect whether page visitor is new or returning

jonchim — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:37:33 GMT

For existing contacts, using smart content would definitely work. But I guess there's no way to determine if a visitor is a return visitor if they're not already a contact. 🤔Not sure there's an easy solution without having to use javascript, etc. Let me see if I can find any solutions.

Re: Detect whether page visitor is new or returning

JLiles — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:37:43 GMT

Hi Dennis,

I may be misunderstanding Smart Content, but I thought it was based on either contact information or "anonymous" information like device type. I want to display different content based on whether a user has visited the page before, regardless of whether they are a contact. But perhaps I am missing an option or trick.

Re: Detect whether page visitor is new or returning

piersg — Fri, 07 May 2021 16:11:31 GMT

I think @jonchim is correct. Smart content will work for testing new/existing contacts but to determine if a visitor is new or returning you would have to use JS: for example, by testing if the hubspotutk cookie has been set (which is an id given to a visitor after they've accepted cookies on your site).

Re: Detect whether page visitor is new or returning

JLiles — Fri, 07 May 2021 16:14:26 GMT

Great, thank you @piersg, @jonchim, and @dennisedson. That is along the lines of what I was thinking, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a simpler solution that I was unaware of. I appreciate the prompt, respectful, and ultimately helpful assistance!