GoatCounter

How to Use GoatCounter

1. Visit the Website

Go to GoatCounter’s homepage on goatcounter.com, or choose to self-host by downloading the open-source software.

2. Explore Features

Discover GoatCounter’s privacy-focused analytics, offering lightweight tracking that doesn’t require user identifiers or GDPR notices. You can track browser details, location, screen size, referring sites, and campaigns—all without invasive tracking methods.

3. Choose Deployment

Opt for the free hosted service on goatcounter.com or deploy it on your own server using the fully open-source code.

4. Sign Up or Install

For the hosted service, create an account to start tracking. For self-hosting, follow the detailed setup instructions, including options like using Dockerfiles or deploying on platforms such as Linode or Alpine Linux.

5. Integrate on Your Website

Add a single script tag to your website or use other options like no-JavaScript image-based tracking, middleware integration, or log file parsing to start tracking.

6. Review Statistics

Check user-friendly analytics to gain insights into browser usage, locations, and referring sources, all while prioritizing privacy and accessibility.

7. Own Your Data

Export your data anytime and maintain full control over your analytics with GoatCounter's open-source structure.