Reliability of Analytics

notgoingtouni · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 10:34

I've heard numerous people say how unreliable Google Analytics is and how you need to double the number to get the truth (having looked at their server logs to see the real number of visitors). On the other hand I've heard people say it is reliable.

Can anyone please try and clear this up for me please or recommend a different programme?

KingPin · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 11:03

I personally don't use Google Analytics. They can find out way to much information through the program.

I actually prefer server logs but I'm old school.

It's a personal thing but I'm sure others might love Google Analytics and other smight not.

KP

notgoingtouni · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingPin

I personally don't use Google Analytics. They can find out way to much information through the program.

I actually prefer server logs but I'm old school.

It's a personal thing but I'm sure others might love Google Analytics and other smight not.

KP

Do you know whether it is reliable in getting the correct stats at all?

KingPin · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 11:21

It can be a bit temperamental in some cases. I know some people that have had stats totally screwed up.

In one case a client was receiving around 30,000 UV's per day according to GA but turned out to be close to 50k.

Server logs never lie.

KP

Dotwhack · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 12:27

Well I have server stats & analytics on the same website. Yesterdays results show:
Analytics 37 visitors
Server stats 66 visitors

So analytics shouldn't be 100% relied upon.

However if you're just using analytics, you can still compare the visitors in relation to any activity changes you make - i.e. if you broadcast an email and then see a rise in alaytics figures, you know the email is generating traffic.