Direct traffic numbers different for Matomo and Google Analytics

[Alana88]

Hi everyone,

We've been experiencing a huge difference in the direct traffic reported by Matomo and Google Analytics. The one from Matomo is almost 3-4x bigger than the one reported by GA.

We've been trying to figure out why is that and how both platforms measure direct traffic.

Would love to hear any suggestions/ advice on how to proceed further/ what else to check on.

[not2easy]

Hi Alana88 and welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com]

Since GA was replaced by GA4, I need to ask if you are using GA4? It is possibly showing lower numbers because GA was relying on cookies and most browsers block 3rd party cookies by default today while Matomo is local?

[tangor]

@Alana88 ... welcome to webmasterworld!

Different metrics since differing methods are being used to gather data. Until there is one defined reporting format expect odd numbers between various reports.

[Kendo]

Are they counting unique hits or all hits? I monitor using AWstats and and live logs of my own design. Most hits by Chrome browser are showing a double tap.

[lucy24]

In addition to different ways of handling data: The underlying data isn’t the same. GA shows visits to G’s servers; Matomo (I still think of it as piwik) shows visits to your own server, with your own access controls. That being the case, it’s surprising that Matomo shows higher numbers.

Are you really running both Matomo and GA on the same pages? Wow, that’s a lot of script.