Google Analytics, Alexa, etc.

There are many different tools for figuring out your site's traffic and such.

How do you figure out which site's report is more accurate?

 

Well I have no idea which is most accurate, but I'd say I trust Google. Only because you would naturally *expect* their products to be the top-of-the-line. I haven't come across any accuracy studies or anything of the like, but I just invest my trust in Google Analytics.

I do often check my rankings with other tools though, because some offer different and unique stats, so it's nice to get a general idea of what's going on.

 

I agree; I do find Google to be more accurate.

Though, Alexa is also quite known.

To be honest, I try to follow the trend.

 

But Alexa is skewed; their results are calculated based on users who visit your site that have the Alexa toolbar installed. Therefore, a site that is targeted to an older demographic won't rank high in Alexa, even if it is a very popular and frequently-visited site. Most elders don't have "extras" like the Alexa toolbar installed.

 

Very true, valid point indeed.

I also learned something new, I was not aware that you had to have the toolbar installed.

 

I wouldn't either, you're not alone!

 

I haven't noticed any huge discrepancies between Analytics and my own site stats.

 

I used to rely on Awstats, but currently it only shows a 500-error and my host still hasn't fixed it. Other stats I use, are the common Google applications like Analytics.

 

Can you expand on this?

 

I've always used Alexa but I think I'll try Google out.

 

Google's very helpful.

Plus, they're widely known, so why not?

 

Alexa is spyware. Every time you mention the alexa name, your promoting spyware. And the last time I heard, spyware was a bad thing.

There are 2 tools that I use to keep an eye on my traffic - Google Analytics and yahoo blog log.

 

Alexa is spyware? Since when and where did you hear that?

Yahoo Blog Log is also great for blog powered sites.

 

I'm starting a blog before the end of the month. Should I continue to use Google analytics as I have been with my forums or use this Yahoo blog log?

Suggestions?

 

If you install the toolbar on Vista, Windows will identify it as a trojan.

 

Yahoo Blog Log would be great, though Google Analytic could also work.

It's your preference.

 

Ah ha.

I never knew that until today.

Am I alone?

 

Oh good!

Man, I knew I could not have been that dumb.

But if others are saying Windows identifies it as a trojan, than, it may be.