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Matomo is an open-source web analytics platform that enables companies to track their website visitors and gain important insights into their behaviour. In contrast to other analysis tools such as Google Analytics, Matomo places a strong focus on data protection and enables data sovereignty to be retained. Matomo is an excellent choice, especially for companies that want to be GDPR-compliant.Table of contents

• What is Matomo?
• Matomo as an open source solution
• Data protection and GDPR compliance
• Summary of the GitHub repository
• Steps for installation and setup
• Tracking functions of Matomo
• Integration of Matomo into websites
• Conclusion

What is Matomo?

Matomo (formerly Piwik) is an open source web analytics software used to track the behaviour of visitors to websites. The platform offers comprehensive functions ranging from tracking page views to detailed reports on visitor sources. As Matomo can be hosted locally, users retain full control over their data. 

Matomo as an open source solution

Matomo is completely open source, which means that the source code is publicly accessible and freely modifiable. This offers companies the advantage of being able to customise the system according to their own needs and manage the security of their data themselves. Open source solutions such as Matomo offer a cost-effective and flexible alternative to commercial web analytics services.

Data protection and GDPR compliance 

One of the main arguments in favour of using Matomo is the ability to track visitors in a data protection and GDPR-compliant manner. As Matomo is hosted on its own servers, the data collected remains entirely in the possession of the company. Matomo also offers integrated tools to anonymise the collection of IP addresses and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. 

Summary of the GitHub repository

The GitHub repository of Matomo contains the complete source code of the platform. Here, developers can find all the necessary files to install Matomo locally or on a server and customise it according to their own wishes. The repository also contains configuration instructions and information on regularly updated functions.

Steps for installation and setup

The installation of Matomo is relatively simple and can be carried out in just a few steps:

• Download: Firstly, the Matomo source code is downloaded from the GitHub repository or the official website.
• Set up database: Matomo requires a MySQL database. This should be created before installation.

Configure Matomo: The configuration files must be customised to enable the connection to the database and the server details. 

• Installation via the web interface: After uploading to the server, the installation can be conveniently completed via the web interface.

After installation, Matomo can be used directly to collect and analyse visitor data.

Tracking functions of Matomo

Matomo offers a variety of functions to record the behaviour of website visitors. These include:

• Page views: Tracks the number and duration of visits to specific pages.

Visitor sources: Shows where visitors come from, e.g. via search engines or direct access. 

• Behavioural analysis: Provides insights into the click behaviour and navigation of users on the website.

E-commerce tracking: For online shops, Matomo offers special functions for tracking sales figures and conversion rates. 

Integration of Matomo into websites

Integrating Matomo into a website is straightforward. A tracking code is inserted on every page of the website. This code can be generated via the Matomo dashboard and automatically tracks visitor interactions. Matomo can also be integrated with various CMS systems such as WordPress or Joomla by using special plugins.Conclusion 

Matomo is an excellent solution for companies that want to carry out data protection-compliant web analysis without having to do without the powerful functions of other analysis tools. As open source software, it offers flexibility, cost efficiency and full control over your own data. Thanks to its simple integration and GDPR compliance, Matomo is an ideal choice for companies that value security and data protection.