Marketing

Google Analytics vs WebTrends

April 19, 2022
8 min read

Google Analytics has been around for quite a while. It has been helping clients analyze websites and improve their usability since 2005.

There are, however, analytics tool alternatives out there that offer similar features. These competitors could be more appealing to small businesses.

Take Webtrends, for example. Their software has helped numerous businesses analyze their web traffic since its conception in 1993.

In this article, we will show an in-depth comparison of Google Analytics vs. WebTrends to help you decide which platform would best suit your business development. We'll cover the most important aspects you might be asking yourself as a business owner, such as:

  • How are these analytics platforms currently faring in the market?
  • What are the key features of Google Analytics and Webtrends?
  • Do these platforms offer any support to their users?
  • What are the limitations I need to be aware of?
  • What is the basic pricing structure of Google Analytics and Webtrends?

We'll also identify a third, viable option called Abralytics, and see how it matches these two analytics platforms.

A quick look at Google Analytics and Webtrends

Google Analytics offers an analysis of website traffic, but its tools have different uses. Google is the market leader for Web analytics and is particularly attractive to smaller businesses. 

Although most users of Google Analytics will only ever need the free version for their web analytics, some companies require the capability offered by the paid version, Analytics 360.

On the other hand, Webtrends is a beneficial tool for online businesses such as e-commerce websites and marketers. They focus on delivering data analytics for SharePoint and various Web apps either as a SAAS or on-premises product.

Usage trends

Photo by Lukas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pie-graph-illustration-669621/
Source: Pexels

Google Analytics has become increasingly popular in recent years. One study suggests that they enjoy approximately 86% market share in writing.

Webtrends growth compared with Google Analytics has risen since August 2018. However, this growth hasn't translated into much gain as far as market share is concerned. Research suggests as little as 0.1% market share.

Capabilities

Google Analytics and the Webtrends Analytics software have attractive capabilities, but they are not exclusive, depending on the user's needs. Have a look at the different platform's noteworthy features.

Google Analytics' most appealing features

The most valuable feature Google Analytics provides is its easy use and versatile free software application. For most users, the free version of Google Analytics will be sufficient and provide the insights and feedback needed by the user.

The paid version of Google Analytics is Analytics 360, and businesses that need more sophisticated analytics tools can utilize this.

Analytics 360 software allows integration with various software. Google provides training courses to teach users how to use GA 360.

Webtrends most appealing features

Webtrends is very focused on its target market. There is no limit to data collection with their interface.

Webtrends allow companies to collect data on a large scale. It can track visitors' behaviors across various platforms such as social media, websites, and mobile apps. This feature is significant for any business trying to gain new customers.

Reports based on these traffic sources help customers gain insights that are very useful when boosting a site's performance.

New businesses are focused on expansion and growth and don't want their reports to be stifled by a cap on data analytics. For them, Webtrends unlimited data collection might be more appealing.

Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-woman-arranging-carton-boxes-during-relocation-with-boyfriend-using-laptop-on-floor-7203851/
Source: Pexels.com

There are also many customization options available on the Webtrends dashboard. You can integrate many different metrics into reports.

What kind of support can I expect?

One drawback of using the free version of Google Analytics is virtually no support. However, clients willing to purchase Google Analytics 360 and vendors can expect technical support via e-mail, a call center, and training.

Webtrends offers support in the form of a support portal that allows you to log and track queries with their support team. They also make training videos, webinars, and tutorials available for free to help users.

Limitations

Let's now discuss some of the limitations of using Webtrends and Google Analytics.

Free versions of Google Analytics show user data only retrieved from Google. Therefore, it is impossible to see everything the Google Analytics site collects, but it allows users to view data to determine the outcome of a particular decision.

Google Analytics limits data export to 5000 rows. When clients are required to export information, they must split it up into several parts. Aside from no support for a mobile or internet site, Google will need users to be resourceful in solving problems by themselves or in collaboration.

There are also some limitations to consider with Webtrends, but the learning curve is steep. Although their support through videos and tutorials is high quality, users might struggle to understand all the software's features fully.

Another potential issue is the pricing structure. As we'll discuss in just a bit, Webtrends does not provide a free trial. This issue has limited their audience to companies willing to pay for their services.

(P.s You might be interested to read our in-depth guide to the pros and cons of Google Analytics in general)

Pricing

Google Analytics is free, but user resources are sampled, and the export limit is capped. The paid version, or Google Analytics 360, will appeal to large companies, and the pricing differs depending on which tier you choose. The higher the level, the more access to features you have.

However, these features come at a price. Annually, Analytics 360 will set you back northwards of $ 150 000. This price increases if you surpass 500 million hits per month.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/businessman-man-woman-laptop-6694916/
Source: Pexels.com

Webtrends doesn't offer a free trial or free version for their analytics tool. Instead, they try to base their pricing on the specific needs of each company. They need to be contacted directly for pricing solutions.

Still looking for the Analytics platform of your dreams?

Screenshot taken from Abralytics
Source: Abralytics.com

Analytics 360 and Webtrends analytics tools have numerous advantages and disadvantages. Any business with a website needs to use analytics to its advantage to maximize its network or sales.

Abralytics is another web analytics tool that offers all the same services that help you analyze the traffic to your website but without the drawbacks.

Pricing isn't a hassle. Firstly, Abralytics offers a free trial. So, any company can see how the platform will work for their business model. After that, they charge only $10 per month to track unlimited website data.

As a relatively small but growing company, Abralytics also offers incredible customer service. Their support comes in 24/7 live chat support, helping you keep your finger on your website pulse.

New users also don't have to worry about the learning curve. Abralytics takes great pride in combining excellent web analytics with easy-to-understand reporting. This feature means that new users hit the ground running and can track their website performance immediately.

So, if you need to monitor your website pages and optimize customer satisfaction at a fraction of the cost, why not contact Abralytics and enjoy their free trial and superb service.

If you liked this article, you might want to read our other articles at Abralytics.com.

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