What are the top web analytics software options for tracking user behavior on your website?

Heat mapping tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, Mouseflow and my favorite free one “clearly”, show exactly where users click, scroll, and linger on your site. These Tools are invaluable for optimizing crucial elements and enhancing the user journey, boosting engagement and conversions by adjusting your UX design with user behavior.

Tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, and Mouseflow provide heat mapping features to visualize user interactions on your website. Heat maps show where users click, move their mouse, or scroll, helping you understand user engagement and behavior.

Google Analytics Real-Time feature provides instant insights into current user activity on your website, including active users, pageviews, and traffic sources. Other analytics platforms like Matomo (formerly Piwik) and Adobe Analytics also offer real-time tracking capabilities.

Google Analytics should be the first solution you reach for, because it's mainstream, easy to integrate with, and purpose-built. My team uses GA to track all our user interactions, helping us gain insights into which features are being used (and which aren't). This enables us to prioritize our roadmap according to what will actually provide the most impact for our users, rather than having to issue user surveys (or worse, play the guessing game).

Google Analytics allows you to segment visitors based on various criteria such as demographics, behavior, or technology. Tools like Mixpanel and Kissmetrics offer advanced visitor segmentation features for deeper analysis of user behavior.

Google Analytics Conversion Tracking helps you measure and optimize conversion goals, such as form submissions, purchases, or sign-ups. Platforms like Adobe Analytics and Optimizely offer robust conversion tracking capabilities with A/B testing and experimentation features.

Tools such as Qualaroo (now part of ProProfs), Usabilla, and SurveyMonkey enable you to collect user feedback directly on your website. User feedback tools provide insights into user preferences, satisfaction, and pain points.

Google Analytics offers mobile app analytics to track user behavior within mobile apps. Mobile-specific analytics platforms like Firebase Analytics (part of Google's Firebase platform) and Flurry Analytics (by Yahoo) provide detailed insights into mobile app usage and performance.

If you prefer not to share your data with Google for any reason (PBN networks, etc.), Piwik represents an excellent alternative.

Integration: Check if the analytics software integrates with other tools and platforms you use, such as content management systems (CMS) or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Data Privacy: Ensure that the analytics software complies with data privacy regulations like GDPR and offers features for data anonymization and user consent management. Customization: Look for platforms that allow customization and flexibility in tracking parameters and metrics to suit your specific business needs. Cost: Consider the pricing structure and affordability of the analytics software, especially for small businesses or startups.