Is Google Analytics the Right Choice?

Google Analytics is the most widely used tool for tracking website statistics. It provides insights into visitor numbers, traffic sources, and user behavior. Almost every website has a standard connection to Google Analytics, but is this really the right choice for your business?

At Byteklaar, we've asked ourselves this question multiple times, especially during the transition from Universal Analytics to GA4. Many companies made the switch to GA4 without questioning whether this was the best choice. We wanted to look beyond the standard solution and concluded that Google Analytics is not the best option.

Let us explain why and which privacy-friendly analytics software we use.

The Disadvantages of Google Analytics

1. Your Data Isn't Really 'Free'

Google Analytics is free to use, but as often said: "If something is free, you are the product." Google collects and analyzes user behavior and uses this data to optimize advertising models. While Google doesn't sell private data, user behavior is used to better target advertisements and generate revenue.

2. Not Fully GDPR-Compliant

Google Analytics doesn't comply with European privacy legislation (GDPR). In several EU countries, such as France, Austria, and Italy, the tool has already been declared illegal due to data transfer to servers outside Europe. This means that companies dependent on Google Analytics may face legal risks when collecting data from European users without proper measures.

3. Data is Processed on US Servers

The data collected through Google Analytics is processed on servers in the US. This means the data doesn't fall under full European regulation and is potentially accessible to US authorities. For companies wanting to remain GDPR-compliant, this poses a serious problem.

4. Google Analytics Slows Down Your Website

Google Analytics tracking scripts are relatively heavy and can slow down your website. This has a negative impact on user experience and SEO. Slow loading times cause visitors to leave faster, directly affecting your conversions and search engine rankings.

5. Complex and Cluttered Dashboard

Since the introduction of GA4, many companies complain about the steep learning curve and complexity of the new dashboard. Important data is difficult to find, and many users miss the clear reporting from Universal Analytics.

Our Solution: Privacy-Friendly and EU-Hosted Analytics

At Byteklaar, we believe in transparency, privacy, and ease of use. That's why we use privacy-first analytics software that is fully GDPR-compliant. These are the advantages:

Data Stays Within Europe: Our solution exclusively uses Belgian-hosted servers, ensuring data is never stored or processed outside European borders.

Fully GDPR-Compliant: By choosing an alternative that does comply with European privacy legislation, you avoid legal risks and protect your visitors' privacy.

Lightweight and Faster Loading Times: Our analytics tool is much more compact than Google Analytics, making your website load faster and perform better in search engines.

Simple and User-Friendly Dashboard: No complicated menus or confusing reports, but a clear overview of relevant statistics.

Works Perfectly with Google Ads: Despite not using Google Analytics, we can still collect the necessary data to set up effective Google Ads campaigns.

Why Switch?

Many companies stick with Google Analytics because it's the standard option, but with increasing focus on privacy legislation and user experience, it's becoming increasingly important to consider alternatives. By switching to a privacy-friendly, EU-hosted solution, you benefit from better security, faster loading times, and full GDPR compliance.

Conclusion: Choose a Safe and Reliable Alternative

Google Analytics isn't the only option – and certainly not the best if you value privacy, speed, and simplicity. By choosing an alternative that is fully GDPR-compliant and doesn't share user data with third parties, you ensure a safer and more transparent analytics solution.

Want to switch to a privacy-friendly analytics solution too? Contact us and discover how we can help you!