Ask HN: What analytics service do you use?

9 points·Travis··5 comments

I run a small bootstrapped startup that doesn't do any advertising via AdWords. We need an analytics package that is more usable than Google Analytics. I don't like how the numbers on GA don't jive with my server logs. Have tried a few others but haven't been happy. What does everybody else use?

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I don't like how the numbers on GA don't jive with my server logs.

If that is going to get under your skin, analytics is going to cause you a lot of mental anguish.

I use CrazyEgg, Clicky, Mixpanel, GA, and some homebrew stuff. The great thing about tracking things five ways is you get five chances to get the number you want ;)

Server logs

http://www.getclicky.com

http://www.woopra.com

None of them are perfect so a mixture is good.

I agree GA's numbers are the ones with the largest margins: I simply use it for the Adsense integration stuff.

I like your style. 'Don't jive' is in my case 'seem to be multiplied with anywhere from 8 to 15 depending on the weather'.

Contender for the understatement of the year prize ?

I hear really good things about Mixpanel

You won't find any analytics service that gives you numbers anywhere close to server logs. This is because log analyzers include all search engine / robot / spambot activity. All hosted analytics (e.g. ones that use javascript and don't have access to your logs) will only report human activity, and seeing 50% less traffic shouldn't come as a shock for this reason. It doesn't mean they're inaccurate, but if robot activity is important to you, you won't find a service you're happy with.

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