Rick Hellewell

<p>Google Analytics (GA) allows you to see what your visitors are doing on your site. The common installation is to run some JavaScript code in the client’s browser that reports back to GA. The problem with that is many ad-blockers will block that client-side (browser) action, resulting in incomplete GA data.</p>
<p>The Server Side Analytics plugin does all the work on your server. So GA is used on all site visits – even visitors using ad blocking. That gives you more accurate GA data.</p>
<p>Your site visitor’s IP address is anonymized (the last ‘octet’ is removed), so only the visitor’s city is known. The plugin only uses the client-side WordPress session ID, so complies with basic GDPR privacy, as long as your site has an acknowledged cookie policy. There is nothing additionally stored on the client side, so visitor privacy for this plugin and the generated analytics is assured.</p>
<p>All you need is a GA account – start here: https://www.google.com/analytics/ . Note that you will need to set up a “UA” type account. Help starts here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9306384?hl=en   Make sure you set up a “Universal Analytics” account – which will result in a UA-xxxxxxx-1 value to use in the plugin.</p>
<p>If you use Google Analytics, then you should be aware of their privacy policy, which could apply to your use of GA; see it here https://www.google.com/analytics/terms/us.html . You may also need a cookie policy and acknowledgement displayed on your site.</p>
<p>We suggest that you consult with your legal advisor for specific methods and messages needed for GDPR compliance on your site. We provide no warranty or guarantee of GDPR compliance. We are not providing any legal advice. We are not responsible in any way for your use of our suggested GDPR solution. Your mileage may vary. Objects in mirror are closer than you expect. All aspirin is alike. Professional driver on a closed course.  Your mileage may vary.</p>
<h3>Privacy</h3>
<p>This plugin does not save any personal information on your server. It will store cookies on your visitor’s browsers. If you have enabled Google Analytics, it will also store a randomly-generated ID value as a cookie; there is no personal information associated with that cookie. The plugin does not share information with others.</p>


CellarWeb Server Side Analytics

Allows using Google Analytics via server-side request. Many ad blockers block client-side Google Analytics, resulting in incomplete values.

Automattic

John Godley

Mohammad Jangda

Aarón

Welly Shen

<p>Elevate your WordPress site with Gravatar Enhanced – the plugin that simplifies digital identity and improves user engagement.</p>
<p>Seven Ways Gravatar Enhanced Improves WordPress:</p>
<p>✓ Privacy Protection – Automatic referrer blocking and optional IP address proxy<br />
✓ Accessibility Improvements – Alt-text for all avatars to support screen readers<br />
✓ One-Click Profile Updates – Edit Gravatar directly from the WordPress dashboard<br />
✓ Versatile Profile Block & Patterns – Showcase authors and team members anywhere<br />
✓ Comment Engagement Tools – Remind users to create avatars for better discussions<br />
✓ Comment Form Integration – Show Gravatar directly in the comment form<br />
✓ WooCommerce Integration – Personalized account pages for customers</p>
<h3>Privacy Protection</h3>
<p>Just by enabling the plugin, the plugin ensures that no referrer information is sent to Gravatar. The opt-in proxy service also keeps IP addresses from being exposed or logged.</p>
<h3>Accessibility Improvements</h3>
<p>All avatars now include alt-text, enhancing the experience for users with screen readers. Alt-text can be edited in the Gravatar Profile editor.</p>
<h3>One-Click Profile Updates</h3>
<p>Visit Users > Your Profile to edit your Gravatar profile directly from WordPress. Preview your hovercard and make updates with ease.</p>
<h3>Gravatar Profile Block & Patterns</h3>
<p>Enhance your website with our custom Gravatar profile block and patterns. Seamlessly integrate Gravatar profiles into posts, pages, or biographies to elegantly showcase team members, guest contributors, speakers, event attendees, authors, and more.</p>
<h3>Comment Engagement Tools</h3>
<p>Automatically remind commenters without avatars to create a Gravatar, increasing visual engagement on your blog.</p>
<h3>Comment Form Integration</h3>
<p>When the plugin is enabled we will show a Gravatar profile directly in the comment form, and allow the profile to be updated, so users can feel confident their details are correct, and the site shows richer comments.</p>
<h3>WooCommerce Integration</h3>
<p>Enhance your WooCommerce store by displaying user Gravatar avatars on the My Account page. Customers can view and update their avatars directly from their account dashboard, improving personalization and user engagement.</p>
<ul>
<li>Seamless Integration: Automatically works if WooCommerce is installed and activated.</li>
<li>Direct Avatar Management: Users can change their Gravatar avatars without leaving your site.</li>
<li>Improved Personalization: Adds a personal touch to the shopping experience, fostering customer loyalty.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Automatic Installation</h3>
<ol>
<li>Click ‘Add New Plugin’ from your WordPress plugins page and search for ‘Gravatar Enhanced’</li>
<li>Press the ‘Install Now’ button</li>
<li>Activate the plugin</li>
<li>Go to the “Discussion” Settings page to enable the new features.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Manual Installation</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the plugin from https://wordpress.org/plugins/gravatar-enhanced/</li>
<li>Upload and extract the plugin to your <code>/wp-content/plugins/</code> directory</li>
<li>Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress</li>
<li>Go to the “Discussion” Settings page to enable the new features.</li>
</ol>


Gravatar Enhanced – Avatars, Profiles, and Privacy


This plugin handily extends WordPress's built-in Gravatar support with some frequently asked for enhancements.



Besides the handy new Gravatar Profile block, the plugin adds both privacy and accessibility enhancements.



It's easy to use and well-documented.


Finally, more Gravatar Options!


It's great to have a straightforward way to enhance the existing Gravatar abilities. I hope some of these work their way into core too (such as the alt-text).


Fantastic additions to Gravatar

The official Gravatar plugin, featuring privacy-focused settings, easy profile updates, and customizable Gravatar Profile blocks.

CellarWeb Server Side Analytics vs Gravatar Enhanced – Avatars, Profiles, and Privacy