Google Analytics

Webfu · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 07:27 PM

I'm thinking of trying Google analytics but I have some reservations.

I trust Google, but I don't know if I trust them enough to let them know everything about my website. Like how much traffic MSN and Yahoo send me.

Should I be trusting Google with my website stats?

I feel like if G knew how much free traffic I was getting they would want me to pay them for some of it?

hhheng · #2 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 01:50 AM

If google does like you think, it will not be one of the biggest IT company today!

Julie · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 07:46 AM

I think you're overly paranoid.

Analytics is nice, but not that great.

webguru · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 11:14 AM

If you not doing nothing fishy. You will be ok.

Shawn · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webfu

I'm thinking of trying Google analytics but I have some reservations.

I trust Google, but I don't know if I trust them enough to let them know everything about my website. Like how much traffic MSN and Yahoo send me.

Should I be trusting Google with my website stats?

I feel like if G knew how much free traffic I was getting they would want me to pay them for some of it?

I myself wouldn't use them. They bought urchin for a reason and then offered it for free. They may not use your data specifically, but as an aggregate it helps them know how much they should be charging (and therefore how much a conversion is worth) for a certain niche as their 'minimum bids' - ( just my opinion

).

jasonpoteet · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webfu

I'm thinking of trying Google analytics but I have some reservations.

I trust Google, but I don't know if I trust them enough to let them know everything about my website. Like how much traffic MSN and Yahoo send me.

Should I be trusting Google with my website stats?

I feel like if G knew how much free traffic I was getting they would want me to pay them for some of it?

Google can and will use any info they have against you. Google will even use other domains you own against you. If I had something I didn't want them to know, then I shouldn't use their tools.

SaltLampKing · #7 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 05:06 PM

Jason you still sound bitchy. Jeez.

I agree with Shawn and Jason - I wouldn't trust Google with my stuff either.

jasonpoteet · #8 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltLampKing

Jason you still sound bitchy. Jeez.

I agree with Shawn and Jason - I wouldn't trust Google with my stuff either.

mazter · #9 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 06:39 PM

Do you have something alternative? Other then open source stuff which is not dynamic and not capable of generating reports. Google analytics is the best tool for statistics I used by now.

Webfu · #10 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazter

Do you have something alternative?

I do have an alernative to Google Analytics, and I like it a lot. Its called Hitslink. Super robust reporting, but expennnnnnnnsive.

Looking for another option that is free - even if its not as robust as Hitslink.

Urchin is ok, but its not in real time. Fireclick is awesome but more expensive than hitslink.

Are there any other reputable tracking/stats programs you know about ?

suzjor · #11 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 08:21 PM

Statcounter. Not sure it has all the bells and whistles you are looking for.

mazter · #12 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 08:30 PM

You trust Statcounter but not google analytics? It did ring some bells and whistles but on positive side.

Varelse · #13 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 08:36 PM

You can try W3Counter - they have a free plan (with a banner counter, paid plans don't have it).

Diddy1 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-22-2006, 11:12 PM

I'd say do it. It's not like google has used any private information to hurt anyone. (as far as we know)

Thank You

funguru · #15 (**permalink**) 11-23-2006, 10:20 PM

i have noticed that GA is highly inaccurate, some days when my traffic is up it never records it... would still show the same avg even when i know it has doubled on days.

webguru · #16 (**permalink**) 11-24-2006, 11:29 PM

It this new one out called Crazy egg. I am going to give it a try.

indika72000 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 04:18 PM

Google anlytic is good, but some time harmful to you. If your one site banned by them they know your other site information and bad effect will spread to your other site. If you are a white hat SEO, no problem.

GChoi · #18 (**permalink**) 02-04-2007, 05:04 AM

You should be fine using Analytics, as long as you don't do anything "illegal" according to Google.

mhmdkhamis · #19 (**permalink**) 02-04-2007, 07:47 AM

to me it the best i trust in it

funguru · #20 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 09:12 PM

illegal is a subjective word as the definition of it keeps changing as it pleases google. I am using GA but soon will look for an free alternative as i not satisfied with the info which it gives.