As I understand it (and I know some of you out there know much more than I do), a key difference lies in Urchin’s analysis of server log files and GA's javascript tagging. While Urchin may give richer results (because it can access more data), GA allows for advanced segmentation, benchmark analysis, and event tracking.

Maybe that doesn't help with the interpreting discrepancies part...

/Andria

On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 3:23 PM, Ann Nordby <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi: 

Can anyone advise me on how to interpret Google Analytics numbers versus Urchin? 

Urchin is telling me that our website's visit numbers dropped significantly over the past year, while GA says we had significant growth. GA's absolute numbers are lower, of course, but the trends are totally different. 

Can anyone advise on which to believe, how to interpret, etc? 

Apologies for cross posts; I know both groups use these tools. 

Thanks. 

Ann

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Ann Nordby
Web Manager
University of Minnesota | Extension Center for Youth Development
1-612-624-9343
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extension.umn.edu/youth
Read our blog! Youth Development Insight

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Andria Waclawski

Creative Services Lead

Office of the VP for Research

University of Minnesota
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612.625.6093

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