Why Google Analytics doesn't help to improve your product

FYI: This is a blatant product pitch and it’s pushing an agenda (that is, use Stormy not Google Analytics)

In-depth product analytics is better, yes, but basic Google Analytics can go a long way to revealing user patterns and even certain basic issues.

For the most basic example: As a product manager I’ve used Google Analytics to show that most users weren’t interested in a new feature that a CxO level had been demanding, and also that a campaign to push users toward that feature had basically no effect on the numbers because they already knew they didn’t want it. Google Analytics made that demonstration dead simple and I didn’t have to use any developer time to generate those insights.

If you’re choosing between in-depth, custom product analytics or Google Analytics like the author is debating, you’ve probably ended up in a false dichotomy situation anyway. Anyone can have Google Analytics set up in hours and start seeing convenient data about how people are using your product, in a most basic sense.

This started as a potentially insightful post about Google Analytics, then made a heel turn and pivoted into a shameless Stormly product pitch.

I suggest changing the title to a more honest one, so other readers won't feel cheated like me.

Nothing against product analytics, but my conception of product analytics is that it's mostly data around active users; that's different from GA. The problem I have with "articles" like this is they usually seem to have implemented either only basic Google Analytics or did Tag Manager badly.

Sure, organic clicks aren't always that helpful. But downloads, source for downloads, purchases, conversion funnel analysis etc. aren't vanity metrics and all are available with free google analytics; you just need to know how to set it up.

This definitely took a turn toward Advertorial Land, but I will say as someone who has blogged for twenty years, and obsessed over backend analytics, the gist of the piece is pretty accurate. I've had more success with direction and approach with my writing by employing Rahul Vohra's 40% rule one time then I ever had dissecting what country my clicks were coming from.

I've integrated GA4 (latest version) into my pre-released product. I assume a lot of this can be covered by that latest version, however, I've not got to the point where I can practically test that theory.

Does anyone here have experience with GA4 as an analytics package, is it good?

Ask HN: what do you use for product analytics?