Different direct traffic numbers for Matomo and Google Analytics

[Alana88]

Hi everyone,

We've been experiencing quite a big difference in the direct traffic reported by Matomo and Google Analytics. The one from Matomo is almost 3-4x bigger than the one reported by GA.

We've been trying to figure out why is that.

Would love to hear any suggestions/ advice on how to proceed further/ what else to check on/ how both platforms measure direct traffic/ which platform might be more accurate.

 

[HostAddon]

You might want to read matomo explanation : matomo.org/faq/troubleshooting/faq_50

They somewhat explain this.

 

[gplforever.com]

Discrepancies between Matomo and Google Analytics in direct traffic aren't uncommon. A few things to consider:

Data Collection Methods: Both platforms use different methods to collect data, leading to variations.

Cookies Handling: Differences in how they handle cookies might affect direct traffic reporting.

URL Tagging: Check if any URL tagging is influencing the data differently in both platforms.

Filtering: Ensure that filters and settings are consistent across both platforms.

User Privacy Measures: Matomo might track users more comprehensively due to privacy settings or consent mechanisms.

Bot Filtering: Bot traffic might be handled differently, impacting the reported numbers.

Sampling: Check if either platform is sampling data, which could skew results.

Server-side vs. Client-side: Matomo can be self-hosted, potentially capturing more direct visits than Google Analytics, which is client-side.

Review these factors to determine which platform aligns better with your expectations and site setup.

 

[hipcat]

GA is tragically flawed and always has been, and there are lots of studies online showing exactly why they are flawed. I don't understand why people even still use it.

Your own server-side raw logs will always give you the most accurate results above anything a third party can provide.

 

[HostAddon]

HostAddon

You are right about the raw logs but damn they are too much data. And filtering them becomes a challenge this might be the reason people go for third party services.

 

[Harry9Fool]

It's understandable to feel perplexed by the differences between Matomo and Google Analytics. The discrepancy often arises from various factors like data collection methods, cookie handling, URL tagging, and user privacy measures. Both platforms also handle bot traffic and sampling differently.

Regarding server-side raw logs, while they offer accuracy, they might lack the analytical depth provided by analytics platforms.

Exploring Matomo's explanation and reviewing these factors could shed light on which platform better aligns with your needs. Don't hesitate to delve deeper into each platform's settings and configurations to reconcile the disparities.

 

[rightangledevelopers]

Differences in direct traffic numbers between Matomo and Google Analytics may be due to differences in tracking methods and cookie handling. Comparing referral exclusion settings and tracking parameters can help identify discrepancies. Ultimately, determining which platform is more accurate may require deeper analysis and consideration of your specific tracking implementation.