Is Google Analytics sufficient for tracking web analytics?
Can I just use Google Analytics for all of my web analytics or do I need to use other analytics tools too? I have heard of people using tools like Mixpanel for funnels and other more advanced analytics, but can you do essentially the same with Google Analytics?
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Aug 23, 2020
Depends on what you want to track. If you just need to monitor traffic, then yes. If you want to track user conversions, effectively view traffic channels, track calls from your site, or Google positions, then no.
Right now, it's best to use a combination of tools. Many of them are free. For example, Google Analytics in conjunction with Google Tag Manager will help you set up excellent goals and events that you want to track to evaluate the performance of companies. You can also use Google Tag Manager to set up call tracking tools such as https://callgear.com/.
Google Search Console helps you better understand user interactions in search results, and track positions by keywords. Tools such as Ahrefs and SEranking will help you do this more effectively.
Jun 17, 2019
Derek,
You haven't really given us enough information to answer this question. The answer to your question depends on the goals for your website. For example, if you want your website to generate leads, then the Google Suite of tools (Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google My Business) are a great start. Consider adding an SEO tool like Moz or Ahrefs to get objective data on how your website is performing. If you want to bring in foot traffic to a local business, then you need different tools. Bright Local and Moz Local can help there.
I hope that helps!
Jun 17, 2019
Hi Derek
I recommend you use more than just Google Analytics because although the share of the search engine is bigger, you need data from other sources to make a fair report. Consider using tools like Ahref, Semrush, Moz or Alexa to truly track your website without bias. Collect the statistics into one place to observe the progress and also to take notes on the anomalies and error.
Most people prefer to simply use Google Analytics mainly for two reasons: 1) It is absolutely free, and 2) Google rules the search world. However, you should have one or two more analytics tool even if you have to pay for them. You see second and third opinions also matter. Rest is, of course, your choice.
Hope you find the right tool/s that serve you best. Good Luck.
Cheers!
Jun 15, 2019
I do have a lot of paid tools and tried to integrate other tracking analysis software (for tracking IPs, securing the website, etc) but Google Analytics remains to be the #1 data tracking tool I rely on. Other tools may use other ways to get data, but so far it is GA that provides a comprehensive analysis of user behavior, pages that matter to users and whether my content is effective or not.
Jun 18, 2018
Yes, but when you get to a certain size it's better to use a more robust software like Adobe Omniture.
Oct 13, 2015
Hi Derek,
First of all ABSOLUTELY NOT, but for paid.
You have heard very write concept.
Now let me defend my words. In the industry of search Google is on top with high margin. Their is no competitor with such great growth in short time, so might be they deserve to mine data and run both users and online marketers. Its seems they own search industry and i am sure you are familiar how Google behaves dual, B2C and C2B. In short they made their self a pivot point in online world. They collect fine data and no doubt they earn, in case you want to have a look on "Not Provided" information. If i sum up my point, I must say, no one other than Google Analytics can track and analyze best web analytics. All other analytics tools are based upon guess and experience.
In last As @Adam mentioned as stated, in 2011, Google updated their privacy policy to hide certain data from GA. you'll notice, mainly in the keywords section there is often "Not Provided" information. This is because Google is hiding that data (only for non-Google Adwords users). This is the story behind the scene.
Thanks @Adam, Your article helps me very much.
Oct 13, 2015
Google Analytics is best among all if you want to track everything about your website. It is the only free tool which offers to have access of so much effective things that can help you in growing your business.
The other option is SEMrush tool which you need to buy . It is best tool to thoroughly examine your website data and report generation.
Oct 12, 2015
Derek,
Yes, Google Analytics is sufficient for tracking and measuring all the web and app activities. And, if you merge that perfectly with Google's other services like Webmasters tool, AdWords platform and Google Tag Manager (GTM), I think Google Analytics will turn even more powerful and insightful. To answer your question specifically, yes you can create, track, measure and monitor funnels with Google Analytics. Google Analytics has options for you to compare desktop vs. mobile traffic, source of traffic, search engine queries that gave impressions of your site, bounce rate measurement at page level, exit rate at page level, goals setup etc. Though, there are some advanced anaytics tools available in the market like Mixpanel, Kissmetrics etc. which give even more flexibility, they come with bit high price than GA. So to conclude Google Analytics is more than enough for all small to mid sized businesses unless you are running a huge eCommerce/mCommerce site campaigns or big mobile app campaigns in which case you can try and test other Analytics tools simultaneously and then take a call from there.
Hope this helps.
Oct 12, 2015
Almost every other platform that offers web analytics pulls from Google Analytic's API. GA is one of the best tools you can use to track users on your website, and when implemented correctly you can get very granular about who comes to your site, where they come from, and how they convert.
Oct 12, 2015
Google Analytics is a good tool but I supplement the data by doing monthly rankings reports as well.
Oct 12, 2015
Google analytics provides a very large amount of information , allows you to parameterize your conversion goals , and to know the return over your investment for each strategy
The difficulty of analytics is how to analyzed and translate all this information and to know when and how to make adjustments
Oct 12, 2015
Like most people have said here, you should NEVER make decisions based off data from only ONE source; even if that source is Google. My biggest qualm with Google Analytics (GA) is that Google and their "privacy policy" can make mining the best data very difficult.
As stated, in 2011, Google updated their privacy policy to hide certain data from GA. you'll notice, mainly in the keywords section there is often "Not Provided" information. This is because Google is hiding that data (only for non-Google Adwords users). You can read more via this article https://blog.kissmetrics.com/unlock-keyword-not-provided/
I have always used Stat Counter in conjunction with Google Analytics; Stat Counter is free and pretty awesome.
Oct 12, 2015
I use GA for my websites and it is still worth to get the sufficient data to analysis.
Oct 12, 2015
Hi Derek,
I believe that GA is a very good tool to start with. I've read somewhere that GA is the swiss army knife of web analytics.
Easy to implement, gives a quick overview. Little behind with real time data, but provide sufficient data on other areas.
You should be looking for other tools when you know what special capabilities you need.
Regards
Attila
@TheSolopreneurM
Oct 12, 2015
Hi Derek,
I use Google Analytics as my primary way of tracking web traffic. I do however like to cross reference the numbers with another measurement tool such as the native tacking tools on my website's platform as well as any social media anayltics.
Google Analytics is great for both a quick snapshot of your traffic as well as diving deeper into the numbers and more advanced settings and filters.
Hope that helps!
Charlotte
Oct 12, 2015
Derek, it has worked well for us and I do believe it is sufficient, you just need to take the time to dig into it as there are so many layers to it. Here are some good articles for you to check out:
Essential Google Analytics Resources for Marketers: A Complete Guide
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/essential-google-analytics-resources/
AND
Using Google Analytics for Keyword Research
http://www.brickmarketing.com/blog/google-analytics-keyword-research.htm
AND
Google Analytics: How to Know If Your Marketing is Working
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/google-analytics-with-christopher-penn/
Oct 12, 2015
Hi Derek,
My expertise is in google analytics – web analytics. Google Analytics is a great tool when it is implemented correctly. There are numerous other tools you can use with Google Analytics but when you start to compare how they measure that is where the numbers will never be exactly the same. My advice is stick with measurement tool.
Mike, thanks for asking for clarification. Great response!
Thanks,
Haley - Community Manager