In mine experience so far Google Analytics is pretty accurate. You can easily compare the results with other counters. They're very similar.
One of the common reasons for Google Analytics not picking up every hit is that the tracking code is usually the last piece of code, just above the </body> tag. If your site's visitor clicks a link away from the page, before it has finished loading, you won't record a hit. It is possible to add the script just below the <body> tag and therefore obtain more accurate figures. Jon
So has anyone (as well as vpguy) experimented with using the new tracking code (ga.js instead of urchin.js)? Which is better? I am about to add g.analytics to my site and am wondering which code to use. Do you only put the code on the main pages?
Not strictly true, it would depend on the browser loading sequence and what other objects are loaded into the page and where from. That would be because everytime an image is downloaded from your server it is an actual hit. So AWStats is doing it's job properly. Put the code on all of your pages if you want accurate tracking. As for which version to use so far I havent noticed that much difference but I have a personal preference to the old version.
For me is only accurate if you do not compare to another Analytics software The discrepancies are to big if i compare to my AWstat report from my weblog I did everything by the book as inserting the code on all my web page
It is accurate but it not the 100% because it have little problem with G.A...its negotiable but problem is problem. Millions of people are using it and it is one of the best for all.
I agree... I use google analytics and i compare it with awstats and they seem to be completely different figures. Google analytics hardly shows any visitors whereas awstats displays plenty of activity. Not only that.. when i check my Google adsense stats i shows and ridiculous figure when compared to my traffic stats. All i know is that someone isn't producing accurate stats and i'm inclined to say to it is google who has poor tracking systems
Google's stats just make me want to cry... I use awstats and the figures are no where near what google analytics shows
I think yes, I have some backlinks with anchors of porn star names which attract like millions of robots and spiders which Google Analytics doesn't count while awstats counts, thats why GA gives you a lower bound then any other tracking software, they have very sophisticated security algorithms, you can trust in them.