Web controlling tools for free (Part 2) - sitemeter at coverspace

Web controlling tools for free (Part 2) - sitemeter

Published June 18th, 2007 in metrics.

Hi all,

Back again with web analytics products - today we have a look at sitemeter. But before we dive into the comparison a short note from the editor: The author of the wanalytics-blog and dedicated fellow metrics lover has taken on organizing a web analytics wednesday in Germany. To make this a (near-)perfect experience there is a poll regarding needs and wants of potential participants. Please spare five mins, have a look and give your opinion: Survey Webanalytics Wednesday Germany

But now on to Sitemeter and their free service called “basic” - Summary below - check out the detailed information in a comparison matrix with additional links here: free web analytics tool comparison

Sitemeter basic

Not much is known about the company behind the web analytics products and certainly the website does not offer any extensive information (not even a company address to be specific!). Interestingly enough (and unlike google and etracker) the site is pretty well filled with ads which suggests a pretty commercial background. See also “the spyware saga” that was linked with sitemeter and make sure you read the privacy policy A to Z.

As far as features go sitemeter is more comprehensive than etracker featuring (for example) basic referral stats. However it does neither offer campaign tracking, the possibility to enter specific goals to track against nor keyword analysis that one gets with Google analytics. Sitemeter also offers a premium product that we will have a closer look at when we will do a review of the premium and advanced solutions in the near future.

Like Google analytics and etracker Sitemeter offers a live demo of the available reporting - FAQ (less extensive than Google analytics and etrackers) are available as well.

As far as privacy policy goes sitemeter lays it out short on their webpage (find link in the free web analytics tool comparison) - there have been rumors that sitemeter has entered into an agreement with SpecificMedia to store tracking cookies on the computers of those visiting sites tracked by SiteMeter so they can sell browsing history to their advertisers. Storage of tracking cookies (however no reference to SpecificMedia) is to some degree stated in their privacy policy…better think about whether you like this or not before implementing.

Last but not least a note from the editor: Despite having thoroughly checked the info given on the respective company websites and from other sources there is always the possibility of mistakes and/or errors. If you come across something that is not represented in the right manner or needs updating please let me know and I will get on it asap. Also the content given represents personal opinion and is in no way related to professional background or current employment.