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Is This Google Analytics Plugin Worth It in 2023?
Want to know if MonsterInsights is any good?
No problem.
Because in this post, we reveal everything you need to know in this in-depth and unbiased MonsterInsights review.
Here’s what we cover:
- The main features of MonsterInsights (and why they matter)
- Important integrations
- Things we liked (and didn’t like)
- Potential alternatives
- And more…
By the end of this post, you’ll know if MonsterInsights is the best Google Analytics plugin for you.
Let’s jump in.
If you don’t have time, you can check out MonsterInsights here!
MonsterInsights Review
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Ease of Use
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User Interface
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Features
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Integrations
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Price
Summary
MonsterInsights is the most downloaded Google Analytics WordPress plugin to help you track Google Analytics data inside your WordPress admin. It has a wide variety of features that make it easier to read how your website is performing. Moreover, setup is done on your site with a few clicks. There’s no need to write any code or change any settings inside Google Analytics itself.
Pros
- Easy installation process
- Clean user interface
- No coding required
- Access advanced tracking
- Provides GA and GSC data together
Cons
- Premium is quite expensive
- The free version has limited features
- Might slow down your site
- No Google Tag Manager support
MonsterInsights Review: 7 Key Features
To save you time looking through every available feature, this MonsterInsights review covers 7 of the best features and benefits.
1. Easy Setup Wizard
The biggest challenge with Google Analytics is adding the tracking ID to WordPress and customizing the settings.
MonsterInsights makes this process simple with their setup wizard. You don’t even need to leave your WordPress website to get everything working.
Just a few clicks and choosing the options you need is all it takes.
2. Fully Compatible with Google Analytics 4
MonsterInsights works with Universal Analytics and is fully compatible with Google Analytics 4.
Therefore, you can use either version of Google Analytics until UA goes away on July 1, 2023.
Moreover, adding either version to WordPress works similarly through the setup wizard.
No coding required.
This means that no matter your setup, you’ll get valuable insights into website traffic and how people interact with your content.
No more logging into Google Analytics to monitor how your website is performing.
3. Google Analytics Dashboard Inside WordPress
Another struggle many people have with Google Analytics is making sense of all the metrics.
With the MonsterInsights plugin, you get a very clear Google Analytics Dashboard, which provides a comprehensive view of your website’s traffic and performance.
The main Overview Report shows a graph of your Sessions and Pageviews.
You can view the graphs in month view or change the date range from the drop-down.
Furthermore, hovering over the graph reveals more details. Including the date, number of unique visitors, and a percentage increase.
Other metrics available on this page include:
- Avg. session duration
- New vs. returning visitors chart
- Device breakdown chart
- Top 10 countries driving traffic
- 10 sites with the most referral traffic
- And 10 most visited posts and pages
All the charts and graphs on the dashboard are customizable, so you can view the most important data.
4. Real-time Stats
Real-time reports are helpful because they provide immediate feedback on campaigns and your content marketing efforts.
With MonsterInsights, you can access real-time stats from the WordPress dashboard, which is updated every minute.
From the Real-Time screen, you’ll see the currently active users on the site and a graph of pageviews over the last 30 minutes.
Moreover, there’s a breakdown of the pages performing best right now. The top referring sites, counties, and cities where traffic is coming from.
These performance stats are helpful if you need to identify sudden spikes in traffic, potential reporting issues in Analytics, or to diagnose a decrease in traffic.
5. Customizable Dashboard Widget
The main dashboard is where you access all the intricate details of your website’s data.
But, the dashboard widget provides a snapshot view, keeping you up to date at all times.
You get a clear view of your sessions, pageviews, average session duration, and total users from the widget.
You can also access top posts, new vs. returning visitors, and device breakdowns, all within a convenient widget.
Now, when you need quick access to your stats, you can do it from the main WordPress dashboard.
6. Search Console Report
Many content marketers use Google Search Console to track impressions and clicks that come from organic search results.
With the Search Console Report in MonsterInsights, it means you get access to this data in one place.
Now, you no longer have to log in to two different platforms because everything is inside the WordPress admin.
Monitoring impressions and CTR will keep you on track to make better content and improvements to your SEO.
7. Advanced Level Tracking
Most Google Analytics users are missing out on advanced-level tracking features.
This is mainly because it requires a custom tracking code or adjustments in the settings.
MonsterInsights makes enhanced tracking super easy to enable without needing to write any code.
Here are some advanced trackings available that provide detailed insights:
- Outbound link tracking shows which websites you’re sending traffic to
- Scroll tracking to find out where readers lose interest in your content
- Logged-in user tracking to distinguish between logged in vs. non logged in users
- Affiliate link tracking to know which affiliate links get the most clicks
- Form tracking provides conversion data on all forms
- File download tracking shows you stats on downloaded content, like lead magnets
- Author tracking provides data on which authors content is most popular
- Post type tracking shows stats for custom post types if you have any
- Category and tag tracking tells you which topics are performing best
- Published time tracking helps you understand when users are more engaged with your content
- Telephone & email tracking detects when visitors click on tel: and mailto: links
Gathering such data provides much more clarity about how people interact with your site.
This also helps you make better decisions to improve your site’s performance.
Moreover, the data collected is much easier to read with MonsterInsights’ user-friendly interface.
MonsterInsights Review: Integrations
Integrations combine MonsterInsights with other plugins and services. This provides even more data in one platform.
eCommerce Tracking
Get enhanced eCommerce tracking and a one-click setup with MonsterInsights.
View all the valuable data you need to measure sales in your online store and make necessary improvements to increase conversions.
Compatible plugins include WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads.
WordPress Form Plugins
Get feedback on form submissions such as contact forms or newsletter signups.
There’s a ton of compatibility with page builder forms, among other WordPress form plugins:
- WPForms
- Formidable Forms
- Gravity Forms
- Ninja Forms
- Contact Form 7
Affiliate Link Plugins
Have an affiliate site and want to track affiliate clicks?
No problem.
As well as tracking standard affiliate links, you can detect link clicks created with link-cloaking plugins such as Pretty Links and ThirstyAffiliates.
Membership and LMS Plugins
Get detailed stats on sales, traffic, and conversions for membership site plugins and Learning Management Systems.
Here are a few of the available integrations:
- MemberPress
- LifterLMS
- Restrict Content Pro
MonsterInsights Review: Pricing
There are two versions of MonsterInsights, the Lite version, and the Premium version.
Let’s break them down so you know what you’re getting.
MonsterInsights Lite
- The Sessions chart to get a quick look at how the sessions on your site are trending
- The Pageviews chart to see if your page views are increasing or not
- Visitor breakdown to get a glance at the number of new and returning visitors to your WordPress site
- Top 10 countries where your site gets search traffic
- Top 10 referring domains that send you traffic
- Best-performing pages and posts based on traffic
MonsterInsights Review: Premium Plans
MonsterInsights Premium Plans offer more features than the Lite version.
There are three plans to choose from.
Plus, Pro, and Agency.
Plus is best for solopreneurs or freelancers as it covers you for 1 website. This plan gives you real-time stats, full date range control, detailed reports, and enhanced tracking such as scroll tracking and events.
MonsterInsights Pro gives you more advanced reports for eCommerce and form conversions, advanced integrations, and use on up to 5 websites.
The Agency plan provides all the features and can be used on up to 25 sites.
Pricing starts at $199 per year for the Plus plan, and new customers get a big discount.
MonsterInsights Review: Pros and Cons
Not every WordPress plugin is perfect. That’s why it’s important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of MonsterInsights:
Pros:
- Easy installation process
- Clean user interface
- No coding required
- Access advanced tracking
- Provides GA and GSC data together
Cons:
- Premium is quite expensive
- The free version has limited features
- Might slow down your site
- No Google Tag Manager support
MonsterInsights FAQs
Have any questions? Here are a few common questions people ask when researching MonsterInsights.
Does MonsterInsights Slow Down Your Site?
MonsterInsights can slow down your website. However, if you use a decent web host, speed issues will be minimal.
It’s also possible to mitigate speed problems by using a speed optimization plugin such as Perfmatters.
Why Do I Need MonsterInsights?
If you want to monitor your website’s performance but find Google Analytics data confusing, then a plugin like MonsterInsights is a must.
The best way to know you’re making improvements with website traffic is to track your metrics with an analytics plugin.
Do You Have to Pay For MonsterInsights?
No. There are two versions of MonsterInsights. The free version and a paid upgrade.
However, the free version offers limited features, and you’ll need to upgrade to access more advanced features.
Is MonsterInsights Better Than Google Analytics?
In some ways, MonsterInsights is better than Google Analytics. Yet, it’s important to note that you can’t use MonsterInsights without Google Analytics.
MonsterInsights only makes it easier to read your performance data, which Google Analytics provides.
MonsterInsights Alternatives to Consider
Not sure if MonsterInsights is for you? Here are some MonsterInsights alternatives to choose from.
Independent Analytics
Independent Analytics differs from MonsterInsights because it doesn’t use Google Analytics.
Instead, it gathers visits to your site and stores everything in your database. This makes the plugin more GDPR-compliant in countries with strict policies.
It also doesn’t use cookies or track personal information, providing better privacy for your audience.
Analytify
Analytify is a Google Analytics plugin similar to MonsterInsights. They both offer basic to advanced features in their premium plans; however, MonsterInsights might be a little easier to use.
If you need to enable advanced analytics tracking, MonsterInsights allows you to do this by simply switching on those features.
Analytify is still a great option, and their paid plans are a little cheaper.
Site Kit by Google
Site Kit by Google is a completely free alternative to MonsterInsights. It provides basic data and reports of Google Analytics inside your dashboard.
Setup is easy, and there’s no need to add code or login to your Google Analytics account.
The plugin also works with other Google services, such as Search Console, Adsense, and PageSpeed Insights.
For an in-depth comparison, read our MonsterInsights vs Google Site Kit post.
Exactmetrics
Exactmetrics is another great alternative and is very similar to MonsterInsights.
The similarities become apparent when you realize the same company makes both plugins.
This plugin used to be called GADWP and was purchased by MonsterInsights and reworked from the ground up.
It’s worth checking out as there are some differences, such as the design and UI being more modern.
Conclusion: MonsterInsights Review
That concludes this in-depth MonsterInsights review. To summarize, this is one of the best Google Analytics plugins for WordPress with an impressive set of features.
These features make monitoring your website’s performance way more enjoyable (and less confusing).
If you need to keep track of website visitors, gather deep insights, and avoid logging into Google Analytics, then MonsterInsights is a top contender.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Franchising Is Not For Everyone. Explore These Lucrative Alternatives to Expand Your Business.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Not every business can be franchised, nor should it. As the founder and operator of an exciting, new concept, it’s hard not to envision opening a unit on every corner and becoming the next franchise millionaire. It’s a common dream. At one time, numerous concepts were claiming to be the next “McDonald’s” of their industry.
And while franchising can be the right growth vehicle for someone with an established brand and proven concept that’s ripe for growth, there are other options available for business owners who want to expand their concept into prime locations before their competition does but who don’t want to go it alone for a number of reasons. For instance, they may not have the resources or cash reserves to finance a franchise program (it is important to note that while franchising a business does leverage the time and capital of others to open additional units, establishing a franchise system is certainly not a no-cost endeavor). Or they don’t want the responsibilities and relationship of being a franchisor and would rather concentrate on running their core business, not a franchise system.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
But when you have eager customers asking to open a branded location just like yours in their neighborhood, it’s hard to resist. You might think: What if I don’t jump on the deal, and I miss out on an opportunity that might not come around again?
Licensing your intellectual property, such as your name, trademarks and trade dress, in exchange for a set fee or percentage of sales is one way to accomplish this without having to go the somewhat more laborious and legally controlled franchise route. Types of licensing agreements range from granting a license to allow another entity to manufacture or make your products to allowing someone to use your logo and name for their own business. Unlike in a franchise, your partner in a licensing situation will only be allowed certain predetermined rights to sell your products and services, not an all-in agreement to give them a turnkey business, accompanied by training and support, in exchange for set fees. A licensing agreement spells out each party’s rights, responsibilities, and what they can and cannot do under the terms of the agreement. Having a lawyer draw up the paperwork is vital, as well as consulting with a trusted business advisor who has helped others along this path and can shorten your learning curve while protecting your rights. License agreements are governed by contract law as opposed to franchise laws. However, care must be taken: To ensure that you’re staying in your lane and not crossing over into franchisor territory, you’ll want your advisers to detail what you can and can’t do as a licensor.
For instance, a license agreement excludes you from being involved in the day-to-day operations of the licensee’s business. While having no oversight may sound like a relief, it can be a double-edged sword, especially for people who are used to controlling all aspects of their products or services. You won’t have to provide licensees with ongoing services, such as marketing materials and continuous training, but it also means you have no control over how they run their business, their product mix or even how they decorate their space. If you’re a type-A, this may be hard for you.
Most people are more familiar with trademark licensing with a third party because these agreements are big in the sports and entertainment industries, where a celebrity lends their name to endorse a product, whether it’s branded athletic wear or trendy foodservice menu items such as pizza, chicken, or even gelato.
Using a celebrity’s cache garners media attention you might otherwise never get. But not everyone who comes up with a great concept or product has the recognition that would allow them to attract famous business partners or endorsements, and rabid fans that follow.
There are other methods of getting your products in front of more consumers. Some coffee concepts, including Caribou for example, have created market saturation by both franchising traditional stores and granting licenses for nontraditional locations, such as airports, big-box stores, and college campuses. Others, on the other hand, like Starbucks, employ a combination of company-owned stores and licensees in high-traffic locations where a small kiosk can service a high-density population of shoppers. And, of course, bags and pods of these brands’ coffee blends are also sold in retail locations such as grocery stores.
Related: Startups Must Protect Their Trademark. Here’s How and Why
But again, here’s that cautionary note: If you go the licensing route for your products or services, be careful not to cross over into trying to direct the way that licensees do their business, from selecting locations to training employees.
While licensing or franchising may be valid business growth vehicles for many brands, additional business structures that can be considered include:
- Company-owned stores: Opening corporate locations using bank loans and/or the profits from already opened units.
- Dealerships or distributorships: In a distributor relationship, products are purchased from a manufacturer and then sold through local dealers.
- Agency relationships: These are similar to the relationships you’d have with dealers, but in this case, an agent or representative of your company sells your services to a third party. The important distinction to remember so that the relationship doesn’t cross over into franchise territory is that you, as the provider of the services, pay the agent (as an independent sales rep) rather than the agent collecting the money and paying you.
- Joint ventures: In this case, you, as the concept owner, would take on an operating partner who also invests his own funds in the business. The two of you would then share in the equity and profits at the percentage rate of your investment.
The appropriate method to grow your business depends on several factors, including your type of concept, service, or products; your risk aversion factor; your access to capital; where you’re located; and current market conditions. So, if you choose another option to franchising, be cognizant of not slipping into becoming a franchise. The Federal Trade Commission’s regulations define a franchise as meeting at least three standards: a shared name, fees and royalty payments paid to the company by the franchisee, and ongoing support and control of the day-to-day operations by the franchisor.
Keep in mind that if you start with one expansion method, you can consider changing that structure with legal and professional guidance should your business needs merit a shift in strategy. Case in point: some licensors will eventually convert licensees to franchises under a newly crafted agreement and program if they see the need to change the fee structure and maintain additional control over operations.
Slow growth can be detrimental to a business, but not picking the right vehicle for that growth can be worse than standing still. That’s why doing your homework — consulting with professionals, such as attorneys, accounting and franchising advisors, and talking to others in the same boat as you will save you from drifting too far from shore.
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How to Control the Way People Think About You
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In today’s digital age, where personal branding and public perception play a vital role in success, strategic PR efforts have become more important than ever. Ulyses Osuna, the founder of Influencer Press, joined our show to share valuable insights on the significance of PR, the evolving landscape, and the keys to achieving business growth while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the importance of strategic PR efforts in building a personal brand and shaping public perception. Ulyses emphasized that PR is not just about getting media coverage; it’s about controlling the narrative and shaping how others perceive you. By strategically positioning yourself and your brand through effective PR, you can influence public opinion and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Another crucial aspect discussed was the power of leveraging relationships and connections.
Ulyses highlighted the “Buglight Concept,” which involves utilizing the support and connections of others to achieve success. By building strong relationships and leveraging the networks of influential individuals, you can significantly expand your reach and influence. Ulyses’s own success with Influencer Press is a testament to the power of connections in the PR world. While professional success is undoubtedly important, Ulyses also stressed the significance of balancing personal time and fulfillment. In the pursuit of business growth, it’s easy to neglect personal well-being and relationships. However, Ulyses emphasized that true success lies in finding a balance between professional achievements and personal happiness.
By prioritizing personal time and fulfillment, entrepreneurs can sustain long-term growth and avoid burnout. In the ever-evolving landscape of PR, Ulyses highlighted the need for a clear mission when seeking press coverage. He emphasized the importance of aligning your brand with a cause or purpose that resonates with your target audience. By having a clear mission and purpose, you can attract media attention that aligns with your values and goals, ultimately enhancing your brand’s reputation and reach. Additionally, Ulyses discussed the importance of pricing services correctly and finding the right balance between personal involvement and business scalability.
The conversation also touched upon the dynamics of client relationships and the impact of showcasing external support. Ulyses emphasized the value of building strong relationships with clients and going above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of showcasing external support, such as media coverage or endorsements, to establish credibility and attract new clients. Ulyses’s own podcast, The Blacklist, where he shares insights and interviews successful entrepreneurs, was also discussed. He explained that launching the podcast was a way to give back to the entrepreneurial community and share valuable knowledge.
By continuously learning from others and implementing breakthrough ideas, Ulyses emphasized the importance of immediate action and continuous improvement for business growth. In conclusion, strategic PR efforts are essential for building a strong personal brand and controlling the narrative in today’s digital age. By leveraging relationships, finding a balance between personal and professional life, and having a clear mission, entrepreneurs can shape public perception, expand their reach, and achieve long-term success. Ulyses Osuna’s insights serve as a valuable guide for those looking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of PR and personal branding.
About The Jeff Fenster Show
Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.
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Set Your Team up for Success and Let Them Browse the Internet Faster
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
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