Analytics cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use a website. They help operators understand user behaviour and improve the site.
What are analytics cookies used for?
- Measuring the number of visitors
- Tracking where visitors come from
- Analysing the most visited pages
- Measuring time spent on the site
- Identifying problem areas (bounce rate)
- Testing changes to the site (A/B tests)
Common analytics tools
- Google Analytics – The most widely used analytics tool
- Hotjar – Heatmaps and session recordings
- Matomo – Open-source alternative to GA
- Plausible – Privacy-friendly analytics
Do I need consent?
Yes, analytics cookies require user consent. Even if the data may be anonymised, storing cookies on the user's device requires consent under the ePrivacy Directive.
Alternatives without consent
There are analytics tools that do not require cookies and therefore do not need consent (Plausible, Fathom, Simple Analytics). These tools provide basic metrics without tracking individual users.