Ask HN: What analytics service do you use?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=758520

by Travis • 17 years ago

9 5 17 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I run a small bootstrapped startup that doesn't do any advertising via AdWords. We need an analytics package that is more usable than Google Analytics. I don't like how the numbers on GA don't jive with my server logs. Have tried a few others but haven't been happy. What does everybody else use?

aberman• 17 years ago

I hear really good things about Mixpanel

patio11• 17 years ago

I don't like how the numbers on GA don't jive with my server logs.

If that is going to get under your skin, analytics is going to cause you a lot of mental anguish.

I use CrazyEgg, Clicky, Mixpanel, GA, and some homebrew stuff. The great thing about tracking things five ways is you get five chances to get the number you want ;)

jacquesm• 17 years ago

I like your style. 'Don't jive' is in my case 'seem to be multiplied with anywhere from 8 to 15 depending on the weather'.

Contender for the understatement of the year prize ?

ErrantX• 17 years ago

Server logs

http://www.getclicky.com

http://www.woopra.com

None of them are perfect so a mixture is good.

I agree GA's numbers are the ones with the largest margins: I simply use it for the Adsense integration stuff.

schammy• 17 years ago

You won't find any analytics service that gives you numbers anywhere close to server logs. This is because log analyzers include all search engine / robot / spambot activity. All hosted analytics (e.g. ones that use javascript and don't have access to your logs) will only report human activity, and seeing 50% less traffic shouldn't come as a shock for this reason. It doesn't mean they're inaccurate, but if robot activity is important to you, you won't find a service you're happy with.

Ask HN: What analytics service do you use?

Related Stories