If you’re running a Shopify store, your analytics tool should do more than just count visits, it should give you complete, accurate data you can use to grow.
While Google Analytics 4 (GA4) remains a popular default, many merchants discover its limitations too late: missing transactions, inconsistent reporting, lack of flexibility, and difficulty activating data outside Shopify.
Piwik PRO offers a powerful alternative. With full data accuracy, built-in tools for segmentation and activation, and seamless Shopify integration, it’s built for businesses that want more than just page views.
The complete Piwik PRO Shopify app playbook
Tap into advanced analytics and a built-in customer data platform (CDP) to improve your Shopify store’s performance. This playbook offers actionable strategies, real-world examples, and step-by-step instructions to help you grow your business while staying compliant with global privacy laws.
Why GA4 often falls short for Shopify merchants
Google Analytics 4 is designed for general-purpose web and app tracking, not for the specific needs of ecommerce platforms like Shopify. Here are some common challenges:
- Missing or delayed ecommerce events: GA4 sometimes fails to track all Shopify interactions reliably, especially without a custom setup.
- Lack of built-in reporting for Shopify-specific metrics: To obtain meaningful sales data, you often need an extra configuration or GA4 BigQuery exports.
- Data sampling and thresholds: In some cases, especially for larger stores, Google samples data or hides it entirely due to user privacy thresholds.
- Limited activation options: GA4 keeps your data within the Google ecosystem. Activating it in external platforms or marketing tools often requires workarounds or extra software.
Learn more: How to install Piwik PRO app for Shopify
Key differences: Piwik PRO vs. Google Analytics
Choosing the right analytics platform can make or break your data strategy. Here’s how Piwik PRO stacks up against Google Analytics 4, from data accuracy and privacy to Shopify integration and activation capabilities.
| Piwik PRO | Google Analytics 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify compatibility | Shopify-optimized integration with reliable session and event tracking | Requires advanced setup to track core events |
| Data accuracy | 100% unsampled data with no hidden thresholds | Sampling and privacy thresholds can hide data |
| Data activation | Built-in tools to activate data across ad platforms, CRM, and email tools | Limited activation outside the Google Ads ecosystem |
| Data ownership | Full control — data is never sold or reused | Google controls and processes the data |
| Customer data platform (CDP) | Built-in CDP (available on Core and Enterprise plans) | No native CDP support |
| Privacy compliance | Compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations out of the box | Requires configuration to achieve compliance |
| Ad blocker resilience | More effective tracking despite ad blockers | Easily blocked, causing incomplete data |
| Consent compatibility | Anonymous mode integrated with Shopify Privacy API; works with content management platforms (CMPs) | Consent tracking must be implemented separately |
Why Piwik PRO stands out for reliable Shopify analytics
1. Accurate tracking from day one
Piwik PRO delivers clean, accurate data with no sampling. You’ll get the full picture of your store’s performance, capturing every transaction and visitor journey, without the uncertainty often introduced by GA4.
2. Data you can activate, not just analyze
What good is analytics data if it can’t drive action? With Piwik PRO, you can segment and send audience data to external platforms — ad networks, CRMs, email platforms without relying on third-party tools or cloud workarounds. This capability turns insights into revenue.
External data activation
Piwik PRO helps you to unlock the full potential of your data across all marketing channels. Activate your Shopify analytics data on external platforms and marketing tools:
- Direct integration with email marketing platforms for targeted campaigns
- Seamless data export to advertising platforms for enhanced audience targeting
- Real-time data synchronization with CRM systems for improved customer relationship management
- Custom API connections for specialized marketing tools and platforms
3. Built for ecommerce
Piwik PRO’s integration with Shopify ensures accurate event tracking and full compatibility with the platform’s privacy and data-sharing features. You’ll get the key data you need to drive conversions and improve customer experience.
4. More control, fewer limitations
Piwik PRO gives you full control over your data, which can be securely stored in the EU or a region of your choice. Most importantly, it’s never shared, sold, or used to train advertising algorithms.
5. Privacy support when you need it
Piwik PRO helps you comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA automatically. Its anonymous tracking mode integrates with Shopify’s Privacy API and respects consent collected through any compatible platform.
When to choose Piwik PRO over Google Analytics
Consider switching to Piwik PRO if:
- You’re frustrated by GA4’s limited Shopify event tracking and inconsistent reporting
- You need clean, unsampled data you can trust
- You want to activate analytics data across external marketing platforms
- You need more flexibility, transparency, and control than Google Analytics offers
Ecommerce marketing: How to get enhanced online store analytics
Check out our masterclass and learn how to go beyond ecommerce analytics with Piwik PRO to act on customer insights and drive more sales.
Conclusion
Google Analytics 4 can feel like a black box, especially for Shopify merchants who need precision and performance. If you’re looking for a platform that gives you reliable insights, full data control, and the power to activate your data anywhere, Piwik PRO is the better choice.
It’s more than just privacy compliance. It’s analytics that work for your business.
