Why we choose Plausible over Google Analytics – and why it matters for your website

I love digging into the numbers. For years I kept up my Google Analytics professional certifications back when Google offered them, and I still enjoy getting deep into the detail.

But even as someone who geeks out on data, I’ve had to admit Google Analytics has become too complicated for most business owners or comms managers. GA4 in particular turned a once-familiar tool into something overwhelming. The everyday reports we relied on are harder to find, and the steep learning curve means many teams have stopped using analytics altogether.

At the same time, the privacy landscape has shifted. People don’t like the idea of being tracked with every click online. Ad-blockers are on the rise, and Apple devices now block Google Analytics by default. Led by what was happening in the EU, where regulators have ruled some uses of GA non-compliant with privacy law, teams in New Zealand and Australia have also started looking for alternatives. They want analytics that still give them the insights they need, but without being invasive for their website visitors.

That’s where we landed too. At Weave Digital, we trialled a number of different platforms before settling on Plausible Analytics. It’s a lightweight, privacy-friendly tool that does exactly what our clients need. It’s a better fit for our clients, and it’s worth knowing why.

Privacy and compliance built-in

Plausible doesn’t use cookies and doesn’t collect personal data. That means:

• No annoying cookie banners.
• GDPR, CCPA, and NZ Privacy Act compliance by design.
• Visitors can trust they aren’t being tracked across the web.

Google Analytics, on the other hand, has come under serious scrutiny. Several European regulators have even ruled GA non-compliant with GDPR because of how data is sent to the US. While not every country has banned it, the legal risk is real, and it’s one reason many organisations are switching to simpler, safer tools.

For sectors where reputation and compliance are critical, like science, consultancy, or funeral care — choosing a platform that respects privacy is both a safeguard and a statement of values.

Simple, usable insights

GA4 may be powerful, but for many regular users it’s become too complex. We’ve heard time and again: “I just want to see what’s working on my website without a manual.”

That’s where I think Plausible shines. It focuses on the essentials, page views, top sources, devices, and conversions – presented in a clean, easy dashboard. No ‘vanity’ metrics, no clutter. Just insight your team can actually use to make better decisions.

Our clients always tell us they love Plausible’s interface and dashboard. For busy comms managers, consultants, or funeral directors, it means spending less time buried in reports and more time acting on them.

Faster websites, happier visitors

The Plausible tracking script is tiny, less than 1KB. Google Analytics is much heavier. That difference directly affects site performance:

• Faster load times (which boost your SEO).
• Smoother browsing for people on mobile or rural connections.
• Less data chewed through for your visitors.

It’s one of those invisible upgrades that makes your site feel snappier without anyone realising why.

Your data, your control

With Plausible, your data belongs to you. It’s hosted in the EU under strict privacy laws, and you can export or delete it whenever you like.

Google Analytics stores data on Google’s servers, often linking into their advertising systems. That’s not necessarily in your best interests. For organisations that need to protect sensitive or confidential information, keeping control of analytics data matters.

Aligned with your brand values

Switching to Plausible isn’t just a technical choice. It’s a brand choice. Using analytics that respect privacy sends a clear signal:

• You put visitors first.
• You’re transparent about how data is used.
• You choose ethical, sustainable technology partners.

In today’s climate, that’s a competitive advantage. Trust is fragile, and the tools you choose are part of your reputation.

Supporting independent, ethical software

Plausible is open source, independent, and runs on a sustainable subscription model. No surveillance, no hidden agenda. Just honest software built to serve its users.

For us, supporting Plausible fits perfectly with our mission: to choose tools that respect both our clients and their customers.

How Weave makes analytics effortless

We don’t just recommend Plausible, we set it up and manage it for every client on our hosting and care plans. That means:

• Bundled in by default: Plausible comes installed, configured, and tracking all your key calls-to-action (forms, downloads, enquiries).
• Dashboard in WordPress: your analytics sit right inside your WordPress admin area, so you can check performance without logging into another system. For wider teams, we also set up a separate shared link.
• Training and walkthroughs: we record custom training videos showing you exactly how to use your dashboard and interpret the data.
• Monthly reporting emails: a clear, automated summary of your website performance lands in your inbox every month. No digging through dashboards unless you want to.

Analytics shouldn’t feel like a chore. We make sure the numbers you see are the ones that matter, presented in a way that supports your decisions.

Why this matters for your website

Analytics should help you make decisions, not add stress. With Plausible, you get clarity, compliance, and speed, without compromising on trust.

At Weave, every website we design includes Plausible by default. We’ve tested the field, and this is the tool that consistently delivers what our clients need. By bundling it into our care plans, we remove the setup headaches and keep insights flowing.

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Want analytics that are simple, ethical, and actionable?

Let’s talk about building a website that performs beautifully, while respecting your visitors’ privacy. Let’s Talk