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Google Analytics review: is it worth it?

Free web analytics platform for traffic, behaviour and conversion tracking.

Category: Analytics and tracking

My verdict

Free, essential, and more confusing than it needs to be. Set up conversions or it tells you nothing useful.

What it does

Google Analytics 4 records site events, attributes traffic to channels and reports on conversions you define.

What I use it for

Understanding which pages and channels produce enquiries, not just visits.

Why I use it

Free, and it connects to Search Console and Ads for the full picture.

Key features

  • Event-based tracking
  • Conversion events
  • Channel attribution
  • Audience reports
  • Search Console linking
  • Free tier

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free
  • Deep data if configured well
  • Integrates with the Google stack

Cons

  • GA4 interface is unintuitive
  • Needs correct event setup to be useful
  • Consent and privacy configuration required

Who it's best for

Every business with a website that wants to know what is working.

Who should avoid it

You need simple reporting and would rather use a privacy-first alternative.

Pricing

Free for standard use. Enterprise tier exists but is irrelevant for SMEs.

There is a usable free plan, so you can test it before committing.

Alternatives to Google Analytics

  • Google Search Console Free Google tool reporting indexing, search queries, rankings and technical issues.

Google Analytics FAQs

I use Google Analytics in my own businesses. Relationship: Free option. Some links on this page may be affiliate or referral links. Full disclosure.

Tools I pair with Google Analytics

GO

Google Search Console

SEO · Free tool

Free option

Free Google tool reporting indexing, search queries, rankings and technical issues.

Best forAnyone who wants organic traffic and needs to know what is actually indexed.