Yesterday's posting looked at the three things that you need to carry out web log analysis for yourself. Access to your web server log files, web log analysis software, and time. Today we'll be delving a little deeper into the software itself, and looking at some of the alternatives that are out there.A quick look through the Log Analyzer section at TuCows shows almost thirty different applications listed.
Over the years, I myself have worked with a good nine or ten log analysis applications, so have a fair understanding of what's out there. I've therefore listed four of the applications that I myself work with, each of which have their own strengths and weaknesses.
(1) Analog - Stephen Turner - free.
Analog is one of the better free options that are out there. It offers very little by the way of fancy extras, but is extremely fast, reasonably configurable, and is 100% free.
Pros:
If you want to dip your toes into web server log analysis without having to spend any money, then this is a good way to get started.
And if you use it with Report Magic, also completely free, you'll get nicer looking reports.
Cons:
It's very basic.
(2) 123LogAnalyzer - ZY Computing - from $129.95.
Pros:
- It's incredibly fast at analysing even large log files.
- The price is very reasonable.
- The filters allow you to select or strip out specific data sets - for example you can look at a 30 day chart of visitors from Google, or monitor traffic generated by a specific ad campaign.
- The reports are among the clearest and easiest to understand that I've ever seen.
Cons:
- The main database needs updating with details of new operating systems and browsers.
(3) Web Log Storming - Dataland Software - $129.
Pros:
- The price is also reasonable.
- On the fly "dynamic" analysis means that you can drill down through your data in real time. This can be extremely useful.
- In-depth probing is quick and simple, without having to reanalyse data or regenerate reports.
Cons:
- It can be slow with large log files.
(4) ClickTracks - ClickTracks - from $495, pro version from $2995.
Pros:
- Nothing I've seen is as effective at helping you instantly understand how your visitors are behaving.
- Visual representation of user behaviour. Click patterns are superimposed over your website in the integrated browser.
- Handles Google AdWords and Overture campaigns.
- An instant look at what's changed over a defined period (pro version only)
Cons:
- The price is very high.
Overall, the application you use will probably depend more on your budget than your needs, but ultimately, any of these tools are better than nothing.
My advice would be to consider 123LogAnalyzer or Web Log Storming, as their filters and dynamic capabilities offer an insight that goes beyond any of the free applications that are out there.
But if you're truly serious about understanding your website visitor's behaviour, then ClickTracks is well worth the cost. And as highly priced as the Pro version is, it still offers exceptional value for money.
