Given the breadth of eCommerce analytics tools available, there is no excuse to not understand both your customers and your business. Having a complete understanding of these two elements will only bolster the success of your eCommerce site. However, success is contingent on the ability to take advantage of analytics plugins. But which ones are right for your business?
As an eCommerce design agency, we put together a list of some of our favorite analytic plugins available for your eCommerce platform.
GOOGLE ANALYTICS
One of the most common eCommerce analytic tools is Google Analytics (GA). Unlike many plugins, GA is free. No credit card information, no subscriptions, and no purchase necessary—all that’s needed is a Gmail account. Known for being one of the most detailed and comprehensive analytic reporting systems, GA can be a bit overwhelming given the sheer amount of data it collects.
There is a learning curve to GA, but there are tons of different educational resources available, including Google’s free online course. GA’s eCommerce metrics put great emphasis on Transactions, Revenue, and eCommerce Conversion Rate, and can integrate with most platforms.
METRILO
Another popular eCommerce analytic plugin is Metrilo. There are three different subscription/pricing options for this plugin. Metrilo is an all-in-one eCommerce analytic tool and compatible with all the industry-standard eCommerce platforms.
Metrilo is known for its robust email automation features. Using either action-based (e.g. targeting customers who used a specific coupon) or customer-based (e.g. targeting customers based on how long they engaged with your site) filters, the plugin carries out targeted email campaigns. Examples of email campaigns executed by Metrilo include customer reengagement or cart abandonment recovery campaigns. Metrilo is compatible with Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
All plans come with support, installation assistance, safe data storage, and unlimited team members for assistance.
CRAZYEGG
CrazyEgg is a great analytics option for any eCommerce site. There are four different plans and pricing options available for users of this plugin. CrazyEgg gets its claim to fame due to the plugin’s user-friendly nature. A common complaint amongst site owners that rely on eCommerce analytic plugins is that they’re difficult to use and have confusing interfaces. Heatmaps, scrollmaps, and click reports are the most basic, yet essential resources offered by the plugin.
Consider using CrazyEgg as part of your project process in conjunction with your other analytic tools. For instance, swap information between Google Analytics and CrazyEgg for an even more layered assessment of your eCommerce site, like in this case study.
KISSMETRICS
KissMetrics is a behavioral analytics and customer engagement automation plugin. Unlike other tools, KissMetrics not only provides data, but also the information on how to use it. By recommending actionable solutions, users don’t have to draw their own conclusions from the collected data. This plugin integrates with both Shopify and WooCommerce.
While KissMetrics is still one of the more user-friendly plugins, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to be learned. The organization behind the plugin hosts weekly webinars that cover high-level growth specific to the plugin, and the industries relevant to how the plugin would be used. These webinars provide a consistent continued education that not all other plugin subscriptions can accommodate.
GOOGLE TAG MANAGER SUITE (BY ELEVAR)
Elevar, an eCommerce analytics platform, specializes in automated data analysis, data forecasting, insight curation, and information scaling across multiple channels, all of which is implemented into their plugins.
If you’re an eCommerce retailer utilizing the benefits of tags, you must consdier using Google Tag Manager Suite for Shopify. It’s a single install analysis tool, that includes GTM, Data Layer, and Google Adwords implementations. Unique benefits of this plugin include its comprehensive eCommerce merchandising report data—like category impressions, click-thru rate %, and product position performance—all of which integrates with Google Analytics. And its single time payment fee means its one of the most affordable plugins on the market.
HOW TO USE YOUR COLLECTED DATA — DON’T LET IT GO TO WASTE
If you’re taking the time to invest in analytic plugins, use them! Too many businesses take for granted the power of analytics add-ons. Sure your eCommerce platform provides insight and keeps track of some data, but effective add-ons provide the benefit of context and solutions. Turn your findings into actions.
However, if you’re unsure as to how to use the data collected by your add-ons, or you’re considering third-party solutions, consider contacting Codal. We’re an eCommerce website development company that specializes in data science and visualization.
