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23 October 2009 12:21pm
Hello, We have implemented WebTrends as our analytics package for the website. However I am considering also implementing Google Analytics so I can retrieve more feedback on keyword research through this search engine. Webtrends does provide feedback on search terms via what search egnine but I was keen to know if anyone else runs Google analytics as well as an additional analytic program? Would you recommend running two program and does it have an impact having two tags on the site and load time? Many thanks Simon
Technical Project Manager (MBA, MBCS, CITP, CEng) at Naxtech.com
25 October 2009 22:12pm
Hi Simon,
The main thing to remember is that each Analytics software actually has its own definition for measuring things and comes with its own set of assumptions. Hence why you often may get very different figures from two or more analytics programs.
Now, to answer your questions:
1)"...I was keen to know if anyone else runs Google analytics as well as an additional analytic program?"
> Many people do, primarily in an effort to extract more information or see data in different formats.
2) "Would you recommend running two program and does it have an impact having two tags on the site and load time?"
> Well, Re the recommendation, yes and no. It all depends on whether you feel you would benefit from seeing the data and information another analytics program provides. In terms of load-time...well, if the analytics software you intend to use requires code to be placed on your web pages then yes there will be an impact. The size of the impact will depend on the the size the behaviour of the code. If, however, no page-code is required then there should be no impact on the page loading.
Do the above help at all?
regards,
Denis
www.naxtech.com - web development and online marketing
Analytics Consultant at Yard Associates
26 October 2009 15:42pm
Hi Simon,
Even among large companies it is not uncommon to see Google Analytics running alongside another Paid-for Analytics providers. This can be in part because Google Analytics was itself a Paid-for analytics suite before it was bought out, rebranded and released for free as Google Analytics.
As far as load times, WebTrends calls a JavaScript file which is typically cached by the clients machine, so for returning visitors the load impact is greatly reduced. The same is true of Google’s tracking so once a page has been viewed, the cache holds the bulk of the tracking code so load times are only very slightly impacted.
One thing to be aware of when running 2 systems is not to pay too much attention to comparing the data from the 2. Often there are moderate differences in the way figures are calculated - a good example is unique visitors which can be seen to vary greatly.
Hope this helps.
Head of E-Commerce at BEN SHERMAN GROUP LTD
09 November 2009 12:12pm
Hi guys,
Interesting to see this conversation. We run webtrends and GA and we are getting a huge difference in the figures that we get from each-
Message
Webtrends is reporting- +36.57% on direct +30.15 % on organic search -20.35% on paid +20.05 % overall I think these differences are a bit big and we have WT looking at it presently but i am interested in knowing what other people experience. Also, i have been told, and i quote: "GA uses a 1st party cookie but it is sometimes treated as a 3rd party by some sites". Is this a fact?Online Marketing at Met Office
10 November 2009 11:17am
Hi all, Many thanks for the feedback - its been great to get your thoughts on this Simon
26 November 2009 09:18am
If employing two analytics tools, would this have an effect on page loads for the website? Speaking to our technical dept, they seem to think that by introducing a 2nd analytics tool such as Google analytics this could be a problem
Director at Parker, Wayne & Kent
23 March 2010 11:30am
I'm running Statcounter.com, Google Analytics and yoursitestats.com. No real problems.
Instructor at Seattle Central Community College
24 March 2010 21:56pm
Such a timely discussion.
I would encourage you to take a look at Avinash Kaushik's most recent blog post: http://www.kaushik.net/avinash/2010/03/ten-fundamental-web-analytics-truths.html
Specifically the first of his ten "truths" addresses what you're wondering about. In short, running two data packages in general means being less effective in both.