Introducing WalkerOS: An Alternative Data Collection Solution to gtag.js
Google’s gtag.js library has long been the go-to solution for tracking and collecting data for Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads. It provides a seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, making data collection straightforward. However, it also comes with limitations and potential drawbacks. Enter WalkerOS, an open-source tracking library developed by ElbWalker, which aims to give users more control and flexibility over their data collection.
WalkerOS offers a customizable approach to data collection, allowing users to send data to any destination they choose, not just Google. This means that businesses have the freedom to use their preferred analytics and advertising tools without being tied to a single platform. Additionally, WalkerOS boasts better performance through a lightweight codebase, ensuring that data is collected efficiently without slowing down website speed.
In this article, we will explore whether WalkerOS lives up to its promises by comparing its features, flexibility, and ease of use with the Google tag. We will also delve into the cases where switching to WalkerOS makes sense and discuss the potential downsides.
The Google tag, or gtag.js, is a JavaScript library developed by Google specifically for tracking and collecting data. Unlike its predecessors, ga.js and analytics.js, which were limited to analytics functions, gtag.js provides a comprehensive solution that integrates with various Google services, including Google Ads and Google Analytics 4. It achieves efficiency by utilizing other libraries instead of directly handling analytics and conversion data capture. This makes setup and integration processes easier and reduces the need for extensive code changes.
Gtag.js combines multiple tracking tags into one, simplifying the user experience and allowing for easier event detection and cross-domain tracking. It provides detailed insights into visitor behavior and traffic sources, improving its usefulness for businesses.
While gtag.js is widely considered the industry standard for Google Analytics and Ads tracking, there are situations where alternatives like WalkerOS are preferred. One of the main reasons is privacy. Alternatives may offer better control over user data, helping businesses comply with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. They may also provide features like data anonymization and selective data collection, ensuring that data is managed according to organizational privacy policies.
Another consideration is page speed. While gtag.js is lightweight, using multiple libraries can slow down a website. Smaller libraries, like WalkerOS, improve load times, especially on mobile devices, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, server-side data collection offered by alternatives can bypass issues related to ad blockers or browsers that restrict tracking scripts, potentially providing more accurate analytics data.
WalkerOS, also known as walker.js, is an open-source tracking library developed by ElbWalker. It offers a flexible data management system that allows users to tailor data collection and processing to their specific needs. WalkerOS is designed to be versatile, from simple utilities to complex configurations, ensuring that data is sent reliably to any chosen tool. The library’s event model follows an entity-action methodology, systematically categorizing interactions by identifying the entity involved and the action performed. This structured yet adaptable model ensures a thorough understanding of user behavior.
What sets WalkerOS apart is its adaptability in event tracking, allowing businesses to customize their tracking based on specific business needs rather than conforming to preset analytical frameworks. The philosophy behind WalkerOS is to make tracking intuitive and understandable for all stakeholders, enhancing data quality and utility within an organization.
Getting started with WalkerOS requires some technical knowledge and understanding, but it is not as difficult as it may seem. The library can be implemented directly via code, using Google Tag Manager or npm. WalkerOS provides a range of triggers that can be used for event capturing, such as click, load, submit, hover, or custom actions. It also offers prebuild destinations like Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, Google Tag Manager, Meta Pixel, Piwik PRO, and Plausible Analytics. Additionally, WalkerOS has an API that allows users to send custom events to any destination that can receive them.
Switching from gtag.js to an alternative like WalkerOS comes with considerations and potential drawbacks. Gtag.js is designed to work seamlessly with Google’s suite of products, providing native integration. On the other hand, WalkerOS may require more technical knowledge to implement and maintain, and it may not support all the out-of-the-box features that gtag.js offers. Google’s extensive documentation and community support make troubleshooting and learning easier for gtag.js users, while WalkerOS may have more limited resources for support and guidance.
Ultimately, the decision between using gtag.js or switching to an alternative like WalkerOS depends on the specific needs and use case of a business. If seamless integration with the Google ecosystem is crucial, then gtag.js is likely the best choice. However, for businesses that require greater control and flexibility over their data collection and usage across systems, WalkerOS offers a lightweight and customizable tracking solution. While the setup may require more technical knowledge, owning your data and reducing vendor lock-in can provide strategic long-term benefits.
In conclusion, WalkerOS presents itself as a viable alternative to gtag.js for data collection. Its customizable approach and ability to send data anywhere offer businesses more control and flexibility over their data. While it may require some technical expertise to implement and lacks the extensive resources of gtag.js, WalkerOS provides strategic long-term benefits for those seeking greater ownership and customization of their data collection processes.
