Google analytics on a smart phone

GA4 Sucks, Here Are 3 Alternatives

September 3, 2024

Google Analytics Is an Unfinished Product – Try These Three Tools Instead

With Google Analytics 4 being labelled an ‘unfinished product’ by some people, businesses are seeking potential alternatives.

This article explores three alternatives to GA4—SEMrush, Matomo, and Fathom—each distinct in features and functionalities, catering to varying business requirements.

Comparing these alternatives unveils unique strengths and capabilities, providing businesses with robust analytics tools to adapt, refine strategies, and gain deeper insights into user behaviour and digital marketing performances.

Why Businesses Are Seeking GA4 Alternatives

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, businesses are actively seeking alternatives to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) owing to various reasons. The shift from Universal Analytics to GA4 has prompted concerns among businesses due to its event-based tracking approach, which differs significantly from conventional session-based tracking.

Many businesses find themselves seeking alternatives to GA4 primarily because of its evolving methodology, which requires a substantial adaptation period.

Additionally, the limitations in default reporting, complex interface, and a more convoluted setup process in GA4 have led companies to explore alternative analytics tools that offer greater customization, easier navigation, and more comprehensive insights into user behaviour.

The pursuit of alternative analytics solutions stems from the need for more adaptable, user-friendly, and privacy-centric platforms, catering better to diverse business requirements while offering a smoother transition away from GA4’s evolving paradigm.

Analytics overview on a computer screen

Top 3 Alternatives to Google Analytics 4

Businesses are exploring alternative solutions that offer distinct advantages over Google Analytics 4. Among these, SEMrush, Matomo, and Fathom stand out for their unique features and functionalities.

SEMrush

SEMrush offers a comprehensive suite covering various aspects of digital marketing. Its primary feature lies in providing a versatile set of tools for SEO,PPC, content marketing, and competitive analysis.

It allows businesses to conduct in-depth keyword research, track their rankings, and analyse their competitors’ strategies. SEMrush stands out for its robust capabilities in optimising digital marketing strategies across various channels.

Matomo

Matomo distinguishes itself by focusing on data privacy and ownership. Its standout feature is the capability to manage and control data collected, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Matomo allows businesses to host analytics data on their servers, granting complete control over the information gathered. It’s an open-source platform that enables users to tailor analytics solutions to their specific needs while maintaining data security and privacy.

Fathom

Fathom takes pride in its simplicity and privacy-oriented approach to analytics. Its primary feature revolves around offering straightforward, easy-to-understand analytics without compromising user privacy.

Fathom provides clear and concise insights without invasive tracking, emphasising user anonymity and data security. Its minimalistic design and real-time data presentation cater to businesses seeking transparent and privacy-focused analytics solutions.

Advertising expert analysing research

Comparing Features: GA4 vs. Alternative Analytics Tools

Here’s how Google Analytics 4 compares to the 3 alternatives we have in mind:

Google Analytics 4

  • Focus: Free, comprehensive data analysis.
  • Data Ownership: Google holds some data.
  • Key Features: Detailed reports, custom dashboards, and AI insights.
  • Strengths: Powerful for large data analysis and it has a free tier available.
  • Weaknesses: Complex interface, learning curve, and privacy concerns.

SEMrush

  • Focus: Advanced SEO & competitive intelligence.
  • Data Ownership: Complete user control & ownership.
  • Key Features: Keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitor tracking.
  • Strengths: SEO dominance, competitor insights, and content optimisation.
  • Weaknesses: Costly for advanced features, not beginner-friendly.

Matomo

  • Focus: Open-source, privacy-focused analytics.
  • Data Ownership: Self-hosted data and full control.
  • Key Features: Granular visitor behaviour, custom reports, and on-premise hosting.
  • Strengths: Privacy control, on-premise installation, and many customisation options.
  • Weaknesses: Requires technical expertise as it needs self-hosting.

Fathom

  • Focus: User-friendly insights and engagement tracking.
  • Data Ownership: Data stored on Fathom servers.
  • Key Features: Real-time analytics, simple visualisations, and user behaviour analysis.
  • Strengths: Easy to use, real-time data, and focus on engagement.
  • Weaknesses: Limited features compared to others, data storage reliance.

How eCommerce Sites Can Benefit from These Alternatives

E-commerce sites can leverage alternative analytics tools like SEMrush, Matomo, and Fathom to derive substantial benefits.

SEMrush’s advanced SEO insights and competitor tracking aid in optimising product visibility and refining marketing strategies.

Matomo’s emphasis on privacy and self-hosted data is especially beneficial for e-commerce platforms handling sensitive customer information, ensuring compliance and trust.

Fathom’s user-friendly interface and real-time analytics help monitor customer engagement, facilitating prompt adjustments in marketing approaches or user experience.

These tools empower e-commerce businesses with diverse functionalities tailored to enhance online presence, improve customer experiences, and boost conversions.

Custom reports and real-time data tracking provided by these alternatives offer insights crucial for decision-making, enabling businesses to adapt swiftly to market trends and optimise their strategies for improved sales and customer satisfaction in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Integrating Alternative Analytics Tools with Shopify

Shopify logo

Integrating alternative analytics tools like SEMrush, Matomo, and Fathom with Shopify can significantly augment the platform’s insights and capabilities.

By linking SEMrush, Shopify merchants gain access to advanced SEO features, competitor analysis, and keyword research, allowing them to optimise product visibility and marketing strategies directly from their Shopify dashboard.

Matomo’s integration offers e-commerce owners control over data privacy and on-premise hosting, ensuring compliance while harnessing robust analytics.

Additionally, Fathom’s seamless integration provides real-time analytics and user behaviour insights, aiding Shopify businesses in understanding and adapting to customer engagement patterns promptly.

The integration of these alternative analytics tools with Shopify empowers merchants to make data-driven decisions, enhance their online store’s performance, refine marketing campaigns, and improve overall user experiences, ultimately driving sales and fostering long-term customer relationships within the Shopify ecosystem.

Final Words

SEMrush, Matomo, and Fathom are potent alternatives to GA4, each offering unique strengths. These platforms not only diversify analytics capabilities but also provide tailored solutions catering to specific business needs.

By empowering businesses with insights, privacy controls, and simplified analytics processes, these alternatives stand ready to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic digital landscape.

Embracing these solutions enables businesses to make informed decisions, refine strategies, and foster growth in an increasingly competitive market.

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