How to Check Website Traffic Without Google Analytics

If you enjoy this newsletter, consider scheduling a time to find out how to generate more consistent revenue and profit.

When you think about tracking your website traffic, Google Analytics is typically the first name that comes to mind.

But what if you want to try something different??

It is well known that many are concerned about privacy, and GA is notorious for selling your data.?

Or maybe you just want to explore other options because you can’t understand the data GA provides.

The good news is that plenty of alternatives are available to help you review traffic to your website without relying on Google.?

Here are five surprising ways you can do just that!

1. Website Analytics Tools:

• Matomo: Matomo is an open-source analytics platform you can host on your server. What makes Matomo unique is that it prioritizes user privacy and data ownership. This means you have complete control over your data without worrying about third parties accessing it.
• Clicky: One of its standout features is real-time analytics, which lets you see what’s happening on your site as it happens. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to understand, even if you’re not a tech expert.
• Fathom: Fathom provides basic analytics without tracking individual users, which is great if you’re concerned about privacy laws like GDPR. It’s easy to set up and gives you the core metrics you need, such as unique visitors and referrers, without overwhelming you with too much data.

2. URL Shorteners with Tracking

• By now you've either seen or even used URL shorteners like Bitly, TinyURL, or Ow.ly. While these tools help make super long ugly links more manageable, they can also help you track traffic. This can be especially useful if you share links on social media or email campaigns. While they won’t give you a full picture of your website traffic, they can provide valuable insights into which links get the most engagement.

3. Heatmaps and Session Recordings

• What do people do when they visit your website? Tools like Mouseflow, Hotjar, and Crazy Egg can help you discover. These services create heatmaps and session recordings showing where users click, how far they scroll, and which parts of your site they spend the most time on.

Need help reviewing your heat mapping? Then go here to set up a time.

4. Built-in Platform Analytics

• Website Builder: If you’re using a website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify, you’re in luck! These platforms have built-in analytics dashboards that provide essential metrics like page views, unique visitors, and traffic sources.
• Hosting Providers: Even if you’re not using a website builder, your hosting provider might offer basic analytics. Companies like Bluehost, GoDaddy, and DreamHost often include website statistics within their control panels. These stats typically cover metrics like bandwidth usage, visitor counts, and popular pages. While they might not be as detailed as other tools, they’re a good starting point for understanding your website’s performance.

5. Email Campaign Analytics

• Platforms like Mailchimp, SendGrid, and Active Campaign offer detailed reports showing the number of people who opened your emails, clicked on links, and visited your website. This can be a great way to see how effective your email marketing is and how it drives traffic to your site.

Conclusion

You don’t have to rely on Google to monitor your website traffic.?

Whether you’re looking for more privacy simplicity or want to try something new, plenty of options are available.?

This will allow you to make more informed decisions about your site’s design and content, which will translate into more revenue and profit.

That way, if you’re either ready to sell today or just get ready for that day sometime in the future, you’ll be able to get the most money and satisfy your efforts.

If you're looking to grow your digital business so you can sell it for the most money one day, go here to book a time.