Comments on: Is Google Analytics Accurate? Use Alternatives! http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives SEO Blog & Search Engine Marketing News Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:42:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: SEO Vietnam http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-145263 SEO Vietnam Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:28:15 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-145263 Hi, the infor here is great and Alan's contribution too. We're having another kind of problem. We get a visit from someone in a remote town (say in the US) on a given day. His first connection counts as one visit but then it seems that each time he clicks on another page, it counts as an additional visit. Result: we have fifteen visits on the same day, from a remote town, each visit has a 100% bounce rate, one page displayed only. Only one has a specific source and the remaining visits have 'direct' as source. I am sure these are all the same visit.... Does anybody have this same issue? Thanks for your help. Hi, the infor here is great and Alan’s contribution too. We’re having another kind of problem.
We get a visit from someone in a remote town (say in the US) on a given day. His first connection counts as one visit but then it seems that each time he clicks on another page, it counts as an additional visit.
Result: we have fifteen visits on the same day, from a remote town, each visit has a 100% bounce rate, one page displayed only. Only one has a specific source and the remaining visits have ‘direct’ as source. I am sure these are all the same visit…. Does anybody have this same issue? Thanks for your help.

]]> By: Andy Jacobs http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-128518 Andy Jacobs Tue, 10 May 2011 06:10:44 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-128518 Just found this thread and very interesting. I've just installed some real time tracking software on my site. One term that appears in the live stats as driving traffic to the site doesn't appear on Google at all. The live stats software can't be making it up! Also, yesterday, the live stats reported 189 visitors. GA reported 96. Very worrying! Andy Just found this thread and very interesting. I’ve just installed some real time tracking software on my site. One term that appears in the live stats as driving traffic to the site doesn’t appear on Google at all. The live stats software can’t be making it up! Also, yesterday, the live stats reported 189 visitors. GA reported 96.

Very worrying!

Andy

]]> By: george http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-92619 george Sun, 17 Oct 2010 06:14:43 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-92619 I got 5 comments today and GA shows zero visitors. I got 5 comments today and GA shows zero visitors.

]]> By: pex http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-90778 pex Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:40:34 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-90778 thanks for the list, i use http://hitstatcounter.com/ myself as it uses piwik and you dont need to install it on your servers. thanks for the list, i use http://hitstatcounter.com/ myself as it uses piwik and you dont need to install it on your servers.

]]> By: Kelly http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-88196 Kelly Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:43:55 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-88196 It's great that Google provides this for free, and I feel like I've gotten value from it in the past, but I found this article today because I Googled "what is wrong with google analytics." Right now, it's showing that one of my client's sites has had 0 traffic pretty every day in the past few months except July 23, when they supposedly had 2 visitors from Brazil. Their hosting company's stats say differently. And I know I've visited their site several times in this period, and I'm not in Brazil! Very unusual. It’s great that Google provides this for free, and I feel like I’ve gotten value from it in the past, but I found this article today because I Googled “what is wrong with google analytics.” Right now, it’s showing that one of my client’s sites has had 0 traffic pretty every day in the past few months except July 23, when they supposedly had 2 visitors from Brazil. Their hosting company’s stats say differently. And I know I’ve visited their site several times in this period, and I’m not in Brazil! Very unusual.

]]> By: Gil Namur http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-82860 Gil Namur Sun, 02 May 2010 06:21:47 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-82860 Thanks for this excellent article. I too am very interested in this subject and have just run part 1 of a test to try to quantify the delta between GA and others that measure traffic in similar ways. How many page-views are you really getting? Part 1 – The WordPress Stats Test http://www.synaptici.com/2010/how-many-page-views-are-you-really-getting-part-1-the-wordpress-stats-test/ Hope this is of interest and would love your feedback. Cheers, Gil Thanks for this excellent article.

I too am very interested in this subject and have just run part 1 of a test to try to quantify the delta between GA and others that measure traffic in similar ways.

How many page-views are you really getting? Part 1 – The WordPress Stats Test

http://www.synaptici.com/2010/how-many-page-views-are-you-really-getting-part-1-the-wordpress-stats-test/

Hope this is of interest and would love your feedback.

Cheers,

Gil

]]> By: Article Writing Philip http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-81588 Article Writing Philip Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:49:50 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-81588 The thing that first got me interested in Google accuracy is unreported visitors. I have a statistics screen within my web-host that shows all the the visitors to my site.They showed visitors that Google wasn't showing, there were 5 countries that Google didn't mention.These 5 countries were sending visitors but Google never mentioned their presence whatsoever.It has me a little worried however I still appreciate Google making this tool available. The thing that first got me interested in Google accuracy is unreported visitors. I have a statistics screen within my web-host that shows all the the visitors to my site.They showed visitors that Google wasn’t showing, there were 5 countries that Google didn’t mention.These 5 countries were sending visitors but Google never mentioned their presence whatsoever.It has me a little worried however I still appreciate Google making this tool available.

]]> By: Google analytics data sucks | You get what you paid for | Refuge Design http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-32884 Google analytics data sucks | You get what you paid for | Refuge Design Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:07:47 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-32884 [...] is a free site stats online application that thousand of webmasters use due to budget restraints. Some say their stats are down and out WRONG but uncovering the full of the story was from iMediaConnection. [...] [...] is a free site stats online application that thousand of webmasters use due to budget restraints. Some say their stats are down and out WRONG but uncovering the full of the story was from iMediaConnection. [...]

]]> By: Darren http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-27871 Darren Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:52:42 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-27871 One annoying thing that happens in GA often is that when I visit my own site through a keyword search in the Google search engine, GA often indicates that I visited the site up to six or seven times that day based on that one keyword phrase, but I know that I only visited the site on that keyword phrase once. Then to convolute the data even further, GA often indicates that I visited my own site up to two or three days in a row through a Yahoo keyword referral, when in fact I absolutely know that I didn't. I've seen some other strange data in GA that I have no explanation for except for maybe dynamic IP addresses or something strange happening on the end of the ISP. One annoying thing that happens in GA often is that when I visit my own site through a keyword search in the Google search engine, GA often indicates that I visited the site up to six or seven times that day based on that one keyword phrase, but I know that I only visited the site on that keyword phrase once. Then to convolute the data even further, GA often indicates that I visited my own site up to two or three days in a row through a Yahoo keyword referral, when in fact I absolutely know that I didn’t.

I’ve seen some other strange data in GA that I have no explanation for except for maybe dynamic IP addresses or something strange happening on the end of the ISP.

]]> By: seo http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-25350 seo Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:07:37 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-25350 I have tried other programs, though now use Google, too. I presumed that they had some data redundancy. I still find it valuable to know what they see and are tracking for my sites. After all, it is what Google thinks that counts. I will look into some of the tools you have suggested. TY! I have tried other programs, though now use Google, too. I presumed that they had some data redundancy. I still find it valuable to know what they see and are tracking for my sites. After all, it is what Google thinks that counts. I will look into some of the tools you have suggested. TY!

]]> By: Web Analytics User http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-24830 Web Analytics User Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:08:22 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-24830 Visit the link I used here and you'll get some insight into how Google Analytics tracks what it tracks (and what it doesn't track well). If you're can afford it and are huge with an IT staff go with Omniture. If you're a medium-sized business you might consider WebTrends; however, Clicktracks is better than WebTrends and excellent for small businesses with limited budgets too. If the price is out of range, a reseller may be able to split the cost with you. Visit the link I used here and you’ll get some insight into how Google Analytics tracks what it tracks (and what it doesn’t track well). If you’re can afford it and are huge with an IT staff go with Omniture. If you’re a medium-sized business you might consider WebTrends; however, Clicktracks is better than WebTrends and excellent for small businesses with limited budgets too. If the price is out of range, a reseller may be able to split the cost with you.

]]> By: Rob S http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-22168 Rob S Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:07:56 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-22168 I like the presentation and analytic options with GA, but I suspected there were discrepancies with the accuracy. I recently left the company, but managed web sites totalling 200 million page views per year. I ran a full year comparison with GA, WebTrends with SDC, and WebTrends using logs. I looked at daily traffic for the entire time. I ran specific scenarios on private sites before they were launched, where I knew the usage. We followed all of the listed recommendations. With the money we spent in this area, I had a developer dedicated to analytics. What I found: 1. WebTrends with SDC was the most accurate in collecting information. 2. Google Analytics captured only 53% of the amount listed in WebTrends with SDC. 3. WebTrends using logs was also inaccurate. WebTrends SDC and Google Analytics use a javascript to call the server to record a visit. This is better than log based analytics, as many people use ISP's that cache data (meaning a page wouldn't be pulled from the server, and there would be no entry in the log file). Same thihg happens for people that work at businesses with proxy servers. Cached page means they use the local page, and not the server page. Script based solutions such as GA and WebTrends with SDC get around this by making the browser call the server to denote they viewed the page. What I suspect is happening is security software or firewalls are blocking the scripts from being able to call the site (or the server is blacklisted). WebTrends script was better written, and I don't think their site is blocked. We decided on WebTrends with SDC as our final solution. GA does some neat analysis, but I'd suggest that if you have a real business behind it you need a better system behind it. Free is only good if it works. That's just my $0.02. I like the presentation and analytic options with GA, but I suspected there were discrepancies with the accuracy.

I recently left the company, but managed web sites totalling 200 million page views per year. I ran a full year comparison with GA, WebTrends with SDC, and WebTrends using logs.

I looked at daily traffic for the entire time. I ran specific scenarios on private sites before they were launched, where I knew the usage.

We followed all of the listed recommendations. With the money we spent in this area, I had a developer dedicated to analytics.

What I found:
1. WebTrends with SDC was the most accurate in collecting information.
2. Google Analytics captured only 53% of the amount listed in WebTrends with SDC.
3. WebTrends using logs was also inaccurate.

WebTrends SDC and Google Analytics use a javascript to call the server to record a visit. This is better than log based analytics, as many people use ISP’s that cache data (meaning a page wouldn’t be pulled from the server, and there would be no entry in the log file). Same thihg happens for people that work at businesses with proxy servers. Cached page means they use the local page, and not the server page.

Script based solutions such as GA and WebTrends with SDC get around this by making the browser call the server to denote they viewed the page. What I suspect is happening is security software or firewalls are blocking the scripts from being able to call the site (or the server is blacklisted). WebTrends script was better written, and I don’t think their site is blocked.

We decided on WebTrends with SDC as our final solution. GA does some neat analysis, but I’d suggest that if you have a real business behind it you need a better system behind it. Free is only good if it works.

That’s just my $0.02.

]]> By: Giovanni http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-20261 Giovanni Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:59:33 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-20261 I found this site precisely because I had a suspicion that something wasn't quite right with my google stats. I've just got a new e-commerce web site going (about a month) and google indicates that for the past week, there were 0 visitors each day. But, there are people ordering items on those days (taking into account time differences). If these people haven't visited my site (according to google), then how are they managing to place their orders??? Doesn't quite add up in my books. I found this site precisely because I had a suspicion that something wasn’t quite right with my google stats.

I’ve just got a new e-commerce web site going (about a month) and google indicates that for the past week, there were 0 visitors each day. But, there are people ordering items on those days (taking into account time differences). If these people haven’t visited my site (according to google), then how are they managing to place their orders???

Doesn’t quite add up in my books.

]]> By: Drushim http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-19530 Drushim Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:26:04 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-19530 I’ve tried a few Google Alternatives but always come back to Google Analytics. I’ve tried a few Google Alternatives but always come back to Google Analytics.

]]> By: P http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-19008 P Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:19:16 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-19008 Most webmasters fails ranking in Google Results because they don't follow all the SEO suggestions Google Site suggestions are important on the selection of keywords. On the search bar of the new browsers firefox, or IExplorer with google toolbar. As you type, Google will offer suggestions keys to navigate the results. Almost any website, can have a good ranking in google following this instructions. Put attention to this keywords and use it on your websites, and this will drive more search Engine traffic to your site. More tips at http://Tecni.Com/en/seo.htm <a href="http://ArchiveNational.Com" rel="nofollow"> http://ArchiveNational.Com </a> Most webmasters fails ranking in Google Results
because they don’t follow all the SEO suggestions

Google Site suggestions are important on the selection of keywords.
On the search bar of the new browsers firefox, or IExplorer with google toolbar.
As you type, Google will offer suggestions keys to navigate the results.

Almost any website, can have a good ranking in google following this instructions.
Put attention to this keywords and use it on your websites,
and this will drive more search Engine traffic to your site.

More tips at

http://Tecni.Com/en/seo.htm

http://ArchiveNational.Com

]]> By: John http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-17640 John Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:08:46 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-17640 I never notice of this issue before. I have to check again the accuracy. I agree with you, better have alternate beside analytic. Thanks for sharing. I never notice of this issue before. I have to check again the accuracy. I agree with you, better have alternate beside analytic.
Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Purity Rings http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-17341 Purity Rings Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:13:20 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-17341 Analytics just works so well but I have noticed it's not the most accurate. Server logs have the best accuracy. Analytics just works so well but I have noticed it’s not the most accurate. Server logs have the best accuracy.

]]> By: Rockstar Sid http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-17255 Rockstar Sid Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:56:52 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-17255 I thought i was the one facing this wrong statistics problem :-0 I have made a list of alternatives http://d95.com/f6dc I am using woopra and get clicky ! I thought i was the one facing this wrong statistics problem :-0 I have made a list of alternatives http://d95.com/f6dc I am using woopra and get clicky !

]]> By: Dr. Richard http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-17053 Dr. Richard Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:37:00 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-17053 I've tried a few Google Alternatives but always come back to Google Analytics. I’ve tried a few Google Alternatives but always come back to Google Analytics.

]]> By: Francis Vallieres http://www.seoptimise.com/blog/2008/06/is-google-analytics-cheating-you-use-alternatives.html#comment-17039 Francis Vallieres Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:13:06 +0000 http://blog.seoptimise.com/?p=627#comment-17039 Another great analytics is Indextools, they've been bough by Yahoo in the last months. It's paid, not that expensive but it is really good. Another great analytics is Indextools, they’ve been bough by Yahoo in the last months. It’s paid, not that expensive but it is really good.

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