Quit Waiting for Your Google Analytics Invite

If you’re still waiting for your Google Analytics invite, stop wasting your time. I’ve used it for several months now, and it just isn’t worth it. I’m not sure if Urchin was this bad before Google took it over (I never used it), but Google’s version just isn’t very good. There are basic stats (like a list of all my referrers) that I still haven’t figured out how to get, and they’ve totally outthought everyone by trying to group the reports by corporate function. I’m just one person; I just want simple reports!

Thank you, StatCounter.

I can’t remember how I found StatCounter, but I’m eternally glad I did. Wow. That’s what a stat program is supposed to be. And it’s free! FREE! Unreal. THE best stat program I’ve ever used — bar none.

I know virtually no one who can understand most of the more complex reports that stat companies provide these days, and that’s not necessarily a knock on those companies. Omniture, for instance, has some fantastic reports, but it basically takes a full-time person who has gone through training to be able to use them all. And at the end of the day, it’s really only the very largest web companies who need a package so complex.

If you’re trying to grow your website, all you really need is StatCounter. Trust me on this. It gives you everything you need to know and more.

(Did I mention it’s free?)

Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Free Web Stats That Actually Pay You.