Google Analytics is a strong contender in the field of monitoring web stats; over 50% of the top 10,000 websites on the internet (measured in traffic) are using this tool for their web monitoring. Unfortunately, there are many downsides to using GA, depending on your knowledge of web statistics and what your precise needs are. Contrary to the trends that seem to give Google the upper hand, there are still plenty of valuable and effective web stat monitoring solutions available around the web for you to try. We will explore some of the best alternatives to Google Analytics in case you are debating on which platform to use.

Mixpanel

Offering real time analytic features, Mixpanel is a different approach to web stat monitoring. Not only are you able to analyze and make funnels for past and future data, but you can also track features such as web retention (% of visitors that come back after initial visit) and complete integration into your site. If you want to test this feature for free, Mixpanel allows you to create a free account and analyze up to 25,000 data points per month with absolutely no charge. Other plans start at $150 per month for 200,000 data points and range up to $2000 per month for enterprise service.

Open Web Analytics

There are many who worry about the dominating presence Google has on our websites, search traffic and business and what that means for the future of the internet. Many people are deciding to go with an open source solution for their web stats and Open Web Analytics is the perfect choice. Rather than centrally hosted, OWA is a downloadable program that can be installed to your web server, allowing you to monitor your traffic without need for costly programs or intrusive terms of agreement. This program is absolutely free and the company earns its revenue through donations.

Clicky

Perhaps the simplest web stat monitor for the average webmaster to use, Clicky boasts about it being the “easiest service you’ll ever use”. While Clicky does not offer the immense level of detailed data and analysis that other services offer, it does combine simplicity and affordability into a platform that is hard to beat on these two points. Clicky’s customers typically use the service for basic monitoring, and it delivers wonderfully. If your site garners less than 3,000 page views per day, the service is free. For those who go over, monthly packages start at less than $5.

Tips for New Webmasters

If you are just beginning in the field of web monitoring or have even just started your first website, keep in mind that unique content is essential and that stats do matter, but more so after your site is fully operational. If you want to see how your site is currently ranking among major search engines and ranking systems, then you can use Pingler’s free Site Rank Checker, which provides rankings for Google PageRank, Compete and PageHeat. These are the biggest ranking systems for websites currently on the internet and will give you a general idea of how well your site is performing.