Conversion
Event
Also called custom event.
Event is a named interaction that is not, by itself, a page load. A video play, a coupon copy and a file open are events.
How it is measured
The page sends a request with an event name and optional data when something happens. Events count in their own table beside pageviews.
Tarsier keeps events apart from pageviews, so adding one never changes visitor, visit or bounce numbers.
Worked example
A podcast site adds a play event to its audio player. In the first week it logs 4,900 plays against 3,100 pageviews on episode pages, because people press play several times per visit.
The numbers tell the producer how many plays happen, not how many listeners.
How it differs
An event is a named action. A pageview is a load. Event tracking is the practice. A conversion is an event that matters to the business.
Common errors
Treating events as people. Sending too many. Using unclear names. Forgetting that an event on a refresh fires twice. Mixing events and pageviews in one total.
In practice
List the five interactions that decide whether the site worked, and track those first.