Yesterday I wrote about the potential game-changing impact that the Google Analytics Browser-Based Opt-Out plugin ^[1] could have on the online marketing industry. And I still have those fears, but then I got to thinking:

There are a few things that have to happen before the opt-out plugin has the impact I, and most I’ve talked to about it, feared.

1. All the browsers have to accept the plugin. – Just because you make the plugin doesn’t meant the browsers have to accept it. Even if you’re Google. Granted, the Google Toolbar will probably be the work-around. But even if they get it working there is still one more barrier to overcome…
2. Community acceptance – It’ll be interesting to see if people accept the plugin and use it. Especially considering those who use Analytics on their site.

But if both occurrences happen and the Google Analytics browser-based opt-out plugin monstrosity becomes reality, then alternatives must be considered.

Alternatives to Google Analytics

• Yahoo! Web Analytics ^[2] – If you’re spending $25 a month or more on Yahoo! Search and affiliates, then you have another powerful browser-based tool at your disposal – Yahoo! Web Analytics. Yahoo! is similar to Google Analytics but the results aren’t always as deep. But there is a tradeoff – real time results as opposed to GA’s midnight updates.

There are a couple other free tools, but sticking with the big name, tools, I’ll start in on the pay sites.

• Omniture ^[3] - If you’re a small or even a medium size company using one account, Omniture might not be your first choice, but that don’t mean it’s not really really good. Even comes complete with a support staff to assist in implementation and how to read the reports. Just make sure you set your filters. If you don’t touch them and leave them as a period, you won’t get data.

• WebTrends ^[4] – my friend Douglas Karr ^[5] is not only the WebTrends SEO Consultant, but he’s also a believer. And with the most recent launch of WebTrends ^[6] and the surrounding Buzz, I see it worth the try. Especially if you want something with Facebook tracking. And with their relationship with Radian6 and SalesForce, WebTrends ^[7] reach into search engines and social media is extensive.

• StatPress ^[8] – and for WordPress fans, there’s always old faithful.

I’ve also found a list of tools I’ve never used. If you’ve used any on the lists in the links, let me know what you think.

• SitePoint 10 Web Analytics Tools ^[9]
• Web Analytics Review from Top Ten Reviews ^[10]

Then maybe next week we can dive into my biggest fear with this Google Analytics browser-based opt-in plugin:

What if the plugin starts working on other analytics programs aside from GA?