How to monitor forum traffic ?

[simplyjo]

Another noob question guys. I dont know if I need to install some plugins (like we do on WP blogs) or what is the best way to track traffic on forums ? Ofcourse the daily stats are displayed on the bottom of the forum but if I need to track referrers/hits etc - how do I do that ?

 

[The Elite]

www.google.com/analytics

 

[simplyjo]

Umm for actual analytics tracking, doesn't it have to be on every page/category/sub category page ? ?

 

[The Elite]

Yep.

 

[MasterA]

Use awstats.

 

[simplyjo]

Use awstats.

Ok thx. lemme check it out.

 

[IamFarazM]

Umm for actual analytics tracking, doesn't it have to be on every page/category/sub category page ? ?

Copy / Paste Google analytic's JavaScript code in header or footer of your forum. That will be sufficient to track hits for every single page. Depending on the forum in use, you may find a built in option to insert tracking code. If not, you have to manually put it there by editing above said file(s). I am using VBulletin, and had to put Google's tracking code into headinclude template file.

 

[pandaa]

I think AWStats works good for this. The numbers are always a little higher than what you will get from Google Analytics, because it counts bounce traffic as well.

 

[Alex P]

You can use StatCounter as well.

Paste the code in footer or header it should appear on all the pages, posts etc.

 

[bharath]

I don't have awstats in my cpanel, but I use stat counter tool to see traffic. Statcounter even shows ips to track visitors.

 

[Zaborg]

Use Google Analytics at all costs because sooner or later you WILL need it, better start with it early.

In phpBB it is extremely easy to add, just open your overall_footer.html file (your CURRENT style folder), find "</body>" and add your analytics code BEFORE it.

Now go to your ACP and Purge Cache/Clear Cache.

And you are done! 🙂

 

[Flexin]

I use Google analytics to track my forums stats. I have also used Awstats from time to time but Google Analytics I check a few times a week at least.

James

 

[Nebulous]

Weird. While using chrome the Google Analytics page wouldnt load for me. I had to disable ad block.

 

[Allan]

Happened to me also theezy.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Some people use Google Analytics but I don't like the idea of Google being able to access my stats if they really wanted to. Call me paranoid, lol. So I use Piwik, a free software you install on your server and it has the same features as Google.

 

[Zlasarma]

Some people use Google Analytics but I don't like the idea of Google being able to access my stats if they really wanted to. Call me paranoid, lol. So I use Piwik, a free software you install on your server and it has the same features as Google.

So in your opinion, it is better to share your stats info with third party website, instead of Google? 😀

Google Analytics is used by a lot of people. There is nothing to worry about 🙂

 

[Shawn Gossman]

No, Piwik is hosted on your own sever. You are not sharing them with anyone unless you manually create an account for them. Google Analytics, well you just may be sharing your stats with Google. I mean why would Google give you a service for free 100% without using it to help them earn revenue and stay on top? It just makes one wonder...

*Puts on aluminum foil hat*

 

[Zlasarma]

In that case, I am sorry because I was wrong about that :/
Anyway, I found Google Analytics the best tool for monitoring traffic and analytics 🙂

 

[20CentsPayout]

i think all forum software already installed a tracking code. you have to find that in Admin CP

 

[bauss]

I use Google Analytics, and AWStats for checking traffic stats on my forum. I check my Analytics account everyday.