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Reporting Web Traffic Data

by parasitus
4 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hi guys,

I have statistical data gathered from 4 different tools to measure web traffic: Google Analytics, AWStats (portal and ws), SAS and Piwik. The data from those tools differs significantly. The problem is I need to include the basic figures in my report such as unique visitors, visits and pageviews. Which tool gives me the most reliable data in each category? Some people say that AWStats is great for collecting stats on unique visitors. What about the others?

Many thanks!
#data #reporting #traffic #web
  • Profile picture of the author sk8tavou
    Did you ever tried statcounter? I use all google trackings but i find it very easy to check everything with statcounter. I use it on all my websites and i am very happy with it!
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    • Profile picture of the author parasitus
      Thanks for the advice. I might give it a go. But for now, I have to make use of the data I have already.
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  • Profile picture of the author onqdirector
    Originally Posted by parasitus View Post

    Hi guys,

    I have statistical data gathered from 4 different tools to measure web traffic: Google Analytics, AWStats (portal and ws), SAS and Piwik. The data from those tools differs significantly. The problem is I need to include the basic figures in my report such as unique visitors, visits and pageviews. Which tool gives me the most reliable data in each category? Some people say that AWStats is great for collecting stats on unique visitors. What about the others?

    Many thanks!
    What kind of variance are you seeing in the data? I use Piwik almost exclusively, though I do use GA as well on some sites.

    The first thing I can think of that might cause some data variance is header vs footer tracking code placement. GA in their installation instructions suggests putting their tracking code in your site header. I however almost always use the footer for a tracking code. Here's why... If a visitor comes to your page but doesnt stay long enough for the whole page to load (including footer) then the visit doesn't get counter. Whereas in that same above scenario if its in the header and loads first the visitor will be tracked. I don't care about any visitor data that doesn't stay long enough to even load the whole page. my servers are pretty fast so anyone who bounces in a fraction of a second I don't even want to count toward my bounce data.
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    • Profile picture of the author parasitus
      Thanks for the response. My problem is that I have to write a report and CHOOSE the most reliable categories (from different tools if necessary) such as unique visitors, pageviews etc. from my stats for the report. People I work for don't care about the reasons. The need their reports with the most reliable numbers I can get them
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