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OK, so let's pull this apart: > The thing I'm interested in when using Google Analytics is tracking user path to see the bounce rate in a checkout process for

OK, so let's pull this apart: > The thing I'm interested in when using Google Analytics is tracking user path to see the bounce rate in a checkout process for example There are lots of ways to get this data direct from the servers, and much, much more reliably and effectively. > You can calculate conversion rates for different user segments. Maybe. You only have data on those people who don't have adblockers that block GA. Which is a sizable segment of the internet. Also that they're not using a VPN, etc. Stats collected via GA are inherently less reliable than stats collected from your own site because GA is easily blocked. Plus, there have been reports since forever that GA's stats are just not that reliable in the first place. I've experienced this myself - I used to admin a WP blog, and the numbers from the site log and GA were around 20% different. If you're relying on GA stats to calculate the results of any a/b testing, then you need to put in at least a +/- 25% error factor (i.e. if the A test converts 10% better than the B test, you have no idea whether that's a real thing, or a product of GA giving you inaccurate data - you'd need at least a 25% swing to begin to think it might be a real customer preference). > Developers often miss the point of GA, because they do not work in sales. Yes. But have you listened to their objections, rather than dismissing them as "not working in sales"? Developers do have some knowledge of this subject. And there are lots of ways of getting this data that doesn't increase page load and compromise security like GA does.

cameronbrown 6y ago
> Maybe. You only have data on those people who don't have adblockers that block GA. Which is a sizable segment of the internet. Also that they're not using a VPN, etc. Stats collected via GA are inherently less reliable than stats collected from your own site because GA is easily blocked. You'd be surprised how many marketers don't understand this key point. Those that do just don't care. I'd argue it's part of why the internet is being dumbed down (because people without adblockers are the only ones with a voice).
- marcus_holmes 6y ago
  Interesting point. "our audience is all older people with little education, we should cater to them" -> no, actually that's just the only bit of your audience who let you track them, and you're annoying the younger, tech-savvy people who'd like your product if you stopped being technically ignorant ;)

cameronbrown 6y ago

> Maybe. You only have data on those people who don't have adblockers that block GA. Which is a sizable segment of the internet. Also that they're not using a VPN, etc. Stats collected via GA are inherently less reliable than stats collected from your own site because GA is easily blocked. You'd be surprised how many marketers don't understand this key point. Those that do just don't care. I'd argue it's part of why the internet is being dumbed down (because people without adblockers are the only ones with a voice).

marcus_holmes 6y ago
Interesting point. "our audience is all older people with little education, we should cater to them" -> no, actually that's just the only bit of your audience who let you track them, and you're annoying the younger, tech-savvy people who'd like your product if you stopped being technically ignorant ;)