Just how accurate is Google Analytics?

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heavenlywild

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#67522 3-Sep-2010 10:51

Hey guys,

Been using Google Analytics for a couple of months now and I'm starting to doubt the accuracy of it.

Went onto my site on 3 HTC Desires and once on a Mac last night but the info from Google doesn't make a mention of those OSes having accessed the site.

Keen to hear what others have experienced. Cheers!

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#376180 3-Sep-2010 11:01

I think it's quite accurate. Of course you won't get 100% with any tracking code - blocked domains, blocked scripts, etc.

Also remember it's no real-time, so results take up to 24 hours to update.

heavenlywild

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#376186 3-Sep-2010 11:16

Thanks freitasm,

I find that Google Analytics is pretty good most times. It's up to date within 3 hours max.

I guess like all stats, you need to take it with a grain of salt. Nothing is never accurate.

muppet

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#376200 3-Sep-2010 11:47

Slightly offtopic, there's a great open source stats package called Piwik.

I've never used Google so I can't comment on your original query.

freitasm

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#376201 3-Sep-2010 11:47

Does this package run on your server, reading logs, or from the client?

heavenlywild

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#376204 3-Sep-2010 11:54

freitasm: Does this packed run on your server, reading logs, or from the client?

You've lost me there freitasm, I am a afraid. The Google Analytics code is implemented on the website.

freitasm

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#376206 3-Sep-2010 12:00

Sorry, this was a question to muppet's package. The replies were showing in the wrong order - fixed now.

Ragnor

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#376414 4-Sep-2010 02:42

http://getclicky.com/ is pretty advanced ahead of most of the alternatives currently eg: http://getclicky.com/#theotherguys

The only downside is the more advanced options are software a a service, so not for people wanted to spend $0 /month on stats
http://getclicky.com/help/pricing

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freitasm

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#376441 4-Sep-2010 07:46

Ragnor:The only downside is the more advanced options are software a a service, so not for people wanted to spend $0 /month on stats

Not all Software as a Service is charged... Google Analytics is by definition SaaS and free... Better to say "The only downside it's freemium and you only get the more advanced options with a paid subscription".

Saas is not always freemium, SaaS is not always free, SaaS is not always completely paid.

Ragnor

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#376745 5-Sep-2010 02:59

Yeah I wrote that post pretty late at night (like now heh), should have said something like "more advanced options require paid subscription".