There are a few tools available for collecting and breaking down website statistics. Some are free, some are not but each have their own pros and cons.
Free Website Analytics Tools
Google Analytics
By far one of the most (if not THE most) popular website analytics tools around. It’s powerful, it’s full of great features which are constantly being upgraded and added to. It’s fairly easy to read and it can’t be beat for FREE!
Webalizer
Many hosting companies offer webalizer as part of their hosting package. This free tool is great for anyone who is interested in some stats and information about their website but I don’t recommend it for any business website. It simply doesn’t give as much information as you really need to make decisions affecting your business site.
Awstats
Another website analytics tool that many website hosting companies offer. This tool has more information than webalizer, is easier to read and a really nice looking interface. Again, although it gives you more information, it’s just not as much as what you would get from Google Analytics so I don’t recommend this for a business website.
Website Analytics Tools That Cost
Of course, like everything else on the Internet, there are some really costly analytics tools and then there are cheaper ones. But if your business budget can accomodate an additional analytics tool, then go for it. Some that I recommend are:
ClickTracks
Simply stated, the clicktracks program is an advanced version of Google Analytics. What I mean is that clicktracks gives you even more customization. For example, you can create multiple dashboards, you can get near-time reporting, you can import outside data, you can set up very detailed metrics to track and calculate. In my opinion, for larger companies that can afford the $99.00/month fee (I believe that’s the fee – I could only find a mention) – then it’s worth it.
CrazyEgg
Okay, I know, it’s a funny name and although it’s not exactly an analytics tool – it’s the one thing that Google Analytics is really missing. A true “heatmap” report of your website. Basically, this little tool shows you exactly what parts of each website page are getting clicked on. The price for CrazyEgg ranges from $9.00/month to $99.00/month. There are 4 packages to choose from and it can be a very useful tool.
Website Analytics tools are an extremely important way to help you to change and grow your website. In addition, they’re great tools to help you identify what’s working (and what’s not) on your website. Don’t ignore this valuable aspect of Internet marketing.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
