Matomo (formerly Piwik) is a powerful analytics tool. It allows you to analyse your website data and statistics like Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics.

There are two plans for Matomo available. You can choose a cloud or server-integrated version according to your needs and your website’s visitor volume.

Some users directly compare Matomo to Google Analytics (GA). However, the biggest difference between the two is that Matomo stores data on your own servers. This ensures your data doesn’t leave your own infrastructure.

If you’re using any web analytics tool, Matomo is a great alternative you should consider.

Example of Matomo interface 
Source:  Matomo.org

Matomo top features

Matomo Analytics is a powerful tool with a lot of benefits. Below we’ve highlighted its key features:

  • GDPR and ePrivacy compliance
  • Real-time and audience insights
  • Heatmaps
  • Funnels
  • Goals/conversion tracking
  • Event tracking
  • Form analytics
  • Mobile app

What about installation?

As mentioned earlier, there are two types of installation:

  • Matomo Installation Cloud 
  • Matomo Installation On-Premise

Installation overview: Matomo Cloud

First create a Matomo account. You'll then receive an email confirmation. This email will contain your Matomo login information as well as your website's Matomo subdomain. When you receive your tracking code, add it to your website.

Via Google Tag Manager, the tracking code will be deployed across all your webpages. Bear in mind that this service isn’t free. You must pay a fee to host Matomo in the cloud.

Installation overview: Matomo On-Premise

If you want to use Matomo for free, install the open-source software. You must ensure that you have your web server and access to it through shell or FTP.

Matomo On-Premise installation requires some back-end technical work. If you’re not a web developer, you’ll need an experienced developer to help with the installation. A tracking number will be sent for you to add to your site.

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Why is Matomo increasing in popularity?

When a company uses Google Analytics, the data is stored and processed by Google’s servers in the United States.

This transfer of data from Europe to the US has been a point of contention for several European regulators. In particular, how the US can access European citizens’ personal data without the protection required under several European data privacy laws.

Because of Matomo’s compliance with GDPR it is becoming increasingly popular for businesses that operate in Europe. There are other reasons too, of course, like heatmap tracking that make Matomo a viable alternative to GA.

Is Matomo the right tool for you?

Every business is different, yet every business uses Google Analytics. To decide whether Matomo is the best alternative to GA we suggest getting in touch with our experts for a chat.

Working with Codehouse

At Codehouse, we’ve implemented the cloud version of Matomo. We’re also supporting our customers who are transitioning to Matomo from Google Analytics.

We follow best practice when implementing measurement tools and the installation of Matomo isn't different. Our framework for data collection consists of two phases:

  1. Phase 1: Standardisation and governance / Preparing to install and configure Matomo
  2. Phase 2: Implementation and account configuration

If you want to find out more about using Matomo to track your website’s activity, our Analytics service can help. Contact us for a demo.

Is your business ready for the end of Universal Analytics? Our team can help you with the transition from UA to GA4.

Did you know that Universal Analytics is ending in July 2023? Start the transition and get ready for the switch to GA4.
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