Most businesses default to Google Analytics. It’s free, powerful, and widely used.
But free often comes at a cost. In this case, the cost is your data.
At Queenstown Road, I build digital platforms that prioritise ownership, clarity, and sustainability. So I don’t outsource my website’s most valuable insights to a company built on tracking users at scale.
That’s why I use Matomo On-Premise. It’s a self-hosted analytics platform that gives me full control over my data and integrates cleanly with the rest of my setup.
Here’s why that matters.
1. Full Ownership of Analytics Data
Matomo On-Premise keeps my data where it belongs: with me. Nothing is sent to a third party, and no one else has access to the behaviour patterns of my visitors.
This isn’t just about privacy. It’s about strategy. My analytics data shows what works, where people drop off, and how my site is really performing. That insight should serve me, not fuel someone else’s ad engine.
2. Clean Setup, No Lock-In
Matomo is open source and modular. I run it on my own infrastructure, separate from WordPress. There’s no dependency on third-party clouds, no platform risk, and no surprises buried in a terms-of-service update.
It also means I can control where data is stored. For clients with privacy obligations or jurisdictional requirements, that flexibility is essential.
3. Serious Analytics Without Surveillance
Matomo offers the same level of insight you’d expect from an enterprise tool, without the surveillance business model.
Features include:
- Page-level tracking and conversion funnels
- Ecommerce analytics
- Custom dimensions and events
- Real-time visitor logs
- Heatmaps and session recordings (optional)
- A full tag manager for advanced use cases
It’s not a watered-down alternative. It’s a serious analytics platform for businesses that take their data seriously.
4. Built to Last
Matomo has been actively developed for over 15 years. It’s not a trendy startup tool that might disappear when the funding runs out.
The core platform is free. Premium features are available, but entirely optional. It’s a sustainable model that respects your autonomy, and it aligns with how I choose tools for client work too.
5. Why On-Premise Over the Matomo for WordPress Plugin
The Matomo for WordPress plugin is great for getting started. It runs directly inside your WordPress site, which is convenient for single installs.
But for agency use, I needed more separation and more control. With On-Premise, I get:
- A standalone analytics interface
- Support for tracking multiple sites in one place
- Faster performance and easier upgrades
- A more robust, future-proof setup
It’s a little more technical to deploy, but more stable and scalable in the long run.
Ready to Take Control of Your Analytics?
If you’re tired of sharing business-critical data with Google, or want to align your analytics stack with your values, Matomo On-Premise is a strong alternative.
And if you’d like help getting started, I offer Matomo setup and configuration as part of my agency services. Whether you’re migrating from Google Analytics, setting up custom events, or just want a clean install done right, I can help.
Get in touch to discuss the best setup
Leave a Reply