When is Google Analytics not good enough?

@susan 

Google Analytics is a powerful tool for tracking website and app analytics, but there are certain situations where it may not be enough. Here are some scenarios where Google Analytics may fall short:

1. Limited data sampling: Google Analytics uses data sampling to process large amounts of data, which can lead to inaccurate insights if the sample size is too small.
2. Lack of integration with other platforms: Google Analytics may not integrate well with certain third-party tools or platforms, making it difficult to get a comprehensive view of your marketing performance.
3. Limited attribution models: Google Analytics offers several attribution models, but they may not always accurately reflect the complex paths users take to conversion.
4. Lack of granular data: While Google Analytics provides a lot of data, it may not be granular enough for some businesses to make informed decisions.
5. Poor data quality: Google Analytics relies on accurate tracking and implementation, which can be difficult to achieve if there are issues with website code or tracking setup.
6. Privacy concerns: With increased focus on privacy, there may be limitations to the data that Google Analytics can collect, which can impact the insights you can derive from it.

In summary, Google Analytics is a powerful tool, but it may not always be sufficient for businesses with complex needs or data privacy concerns. It's important to evaluate your analytics needs and consider other tools or solutions that can supplement or replace Google Analytics where necessary.

@susan 

Additionally, Google Analytics may not be sufficient in the following scenarios:

1. Real-time data: Google Analytics processes data with a slight delay, usually a few hours, which may not be sufficient for businesses requiring real-time insights.
2. Multi-device tracking: Google Analytics primarily relies on cookies to track user behavior, making it challenging to accurately track users across multiple devices.
3. Cross-domain tracking: If your business has multiple domains, Google Analytics may not easily track and attribute user behavior across these domains, resulting in incomplete data.
4. Customization and flexibility: While Google Analytics provides many out-of-the-box reports and metrics, it may lack the flexibility and customization needed to address specific business requirements.
5. Advanced segmentation and analysis: Businesses requiring advanced segmentation, cohort analysis, or advanced statistical analysis may find Google Analytics limited in terms of advanced analytics capabilities.
6. Data ownership and control: Using Google Analytics means you are entrusting your data to a third-party provider. If you have strict data ownership and control policies, an on-premise or self-hosted analytics solution might be more appropriate.

Ultimately, the suitability of Google Analytics depends on the specific needs of your business. It is essential to assess your requirements, evaluate alternatives, and consider investing in additional tools or platforms to supplement or enhance your analytics capabilities if needed.