My Own Umami: Open-Source Privacy-focused Web Analytics
Tracking the metrics I care about while respecting my users' data privacy
As I deployed some of my projects, one of the aspects I was concerned about was tracking performance and analytics. Personally, I hate the idea of a third-party tracking my footprint across the internet, but as a developer, I also need it to track my personal growth and reach over time. Protecting user privacy while gaining insights from website analytics is a delicate balance. Traditional web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, can collect a significant amount of data on users, which can raise concerns about privacy and data security. However, there are alternative options available that prioritize user privacy while still providing valuable insights. One such option is Umami, an open-source, privacy-focused web analytics tool.
Umami is designed to collect only the data that is essential for website optimization and user engagement. It does not collect any personally identifiable information (PII) and is fully compliant with GDPR and CCPA. This makes it a great option for businesses and organizations that are looking to gain insights into their website performance while also protecting the privacy of their users.
One of the key features of Umami is its ability to track user interactions on a website without the use of cookies. Instead, it uses a unique identifier for each user session, which ensures that data is collected anonymously. This allows businesses to gain insights into user behavior without compromising their privacy.
Umami also provides detailed information on website performance, including the number of page views, unique visitors, and bounce rate. This information can be used to optimize website design and content, resulting in a better user experience. Additionally, Umami also provides information on referral sources, allowing businesses to track where their website traffic is coming from.
Another great feature of Umami is its integration with other tools such as Google Tag Manager, which allows for easy tracking of specific events, such as button clicks or form submissions. This can be used to track user engagement and conversion rates, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of a website’s design and content.
Umami is a versatile web analytics tool that is easy to use, customizable and open-source. It’s a great option for businesses and organizations that want to gain valuable insights into their website performance while protecting the privacy of their users. If you’re looking for a privacy-focused web analytics tool, give Umami a try.