Google Analytics can tell you quite a bit about your website, and its insights and its insights can lead to more informed marketing decisions. However, if you’re not a fan of the web analytics tool or its functionality, there are plenty of alternatives to try.
We’ll take a look at some of our favorites – both paid and free.
Google Analytics Cons
While powered by the robust Google search engine, Google Analytics does come with some limitations:
Limited data reporting
Google Analytics automatically tracks standard web metrics, but not things like file downloads or clicks through to external links. To track additional metrics, you’ll have to set up a tag via Google Tag Manager and add the code to your web pages.
Confusing UI & segmentation
In a similar vein, customizing your own Google Analytics dashboard can be rather complex. Google Analytics is designed to function “out of the box,” and many businesses work with its default views and settings. If you’d like to work with a custom dashboard, be prepared to spend time learning how to build your own.
Using Google Analytics Alternatives
There are many reasons to consider a Google Analytics alternative, including:
- Easier Customization (dashboards, tracking, data)
- User-Friendly Interface: Learning how to navigate the Google Analytics interface can take some time, especially if you’re new to web analytics. Google does offer multiple courses dedicated to understanding the tool, but
Best Google Analytics Alternatives Free and Paid
1. Heap
Heap can help you understand how and why customers engage with your website.
Benefits:
- Powerful product analytics
- Auto capture for all event data: Set up parameters for every interaction a customer makes with your website. Heap captures it and reports on it in detail.
- Track user and event properties: Review user data to track when visitors have a bad experience, slow down or click away.
Pricing Options
While there are free options, you’ll need to speak with their sales team for a customized paid option.
2. Gauges
This is a real-time analytics tool that claims to be easy to use and understand.
