Rick Hellewell

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
<h3>Privacy</h3>
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.

CellarWeb Server Side Analytics

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

Freemius

Ben Sibley

Andrew Mead

Independent Analytics – WordPress Analytics Plugin


A lot simpler than Google Analytics to install and understand. For me, it is perfect for our needs.


Just Perfect


There are two main types of web analytics software: The big and complex ones that do more than most people use, e.g. GA4, Matomno and Piwik Pro, and the small and nimble ones that have everything you expect but nothing more, e.g. Fathom and Plausible. Independent Analytics belongs to the latter category. And it is a very good alternative for those who are looking for that sort of analytics tool. The interface is just as polished and easy to use as Fathom and Plausible, but has the advantage that it can also display WordPress-specific information.



I have installed Independent Analytics Pro on several of our clients' websites and can say that it works flawlessly. I can't see any impact on performance either.



I am super happy with Independent Analytics and highly recommend it.


A great web analytics tool that you definitely should check out!


very simple tu use. display all major stats!


great!

Works well. Thanks.


This plugin could be a great alternative to Google Analytics for free and GDPR friendly. Totally recommended for small sites where you don't need to have a huge analytics behind. I'm keen to see, how it goes.



The support was very quick and personal. We resolved all the issues in a days!



Thanks a lot and fingers crossed for the future developmentKarolína


Cool features and great and fast support

A simple, yet powerful WordPress analytics plugin that gives you privacy-friendly stats to grow your website. A Google Analytics alternative.

CellarWeb Server Side Analytics vs Independent Analytics – WordPress Analytics Plugin