How to Migrate from Google Analytics to ClearAnalytics in 10 Minutes

Migrating from Google Analytics to a privacy-first alternative is simpler than you think. This guide walks you through the entire process.

Before You Start

You do not need to export your historical Google Analytics data to start using ClearAnalytics. Both tools can run in parallel if you want a transition period to compare data.

What you will need:

• Access to your website's HTML or CMS
• A ClearAnalytics account (the free plan works)
• 10 minutes

Step 1: Create Your Site (1 minute)

Sign up at ClearAnalytics and add your website domain. You will receive a site ID and tracking script.

Step 2: Add the Tracking Script (3 minutes)

Replace or add alongside your Google Analytics script:

<!-- Remove or keep GA for comparison -->
<!-- <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js"></script> -->

<!-- Add ClearAnalytics -->
<script defer src="https://track.clearanalytics.eu/ca.js" data-site-id="your-site-id"></script>

The script is under 1KB and loads with defer, so it never blocks page rendering.

WordPress: Add the script in Settings > Head Scripts, or use any header/footer plugin.

Next.js / React: Use the <Script> component with strategy="afterInteractive".

Static sites: Add the script tag before </body> in your HTML template.

Step 3: Set Up Goals (3 minutes)

If you had conversion goals in GA4, recreate them in ClearAnalytics:

• Pageview goals: Track when visitors reach a specific URL (e.g., /thank-you)
• Event goals: Track custom events like form submissions or button clicks
• Duration goals: Track engaged sessions above a time threshold

Step 4: Configure UTM Tracking (2 minutes)

If you already use UTM parameters in your marketing campaigns, there is nothing to configure. ClearAnalytics automatically detects and categorizes UTM parameters.

Step 5: Remove the Cookie Banner (1 minute)

If Google Analytics was the only reason you had a cookie consent banner, you can now remove it. ClearAnalytics sets no cookies and collects no personal data, so no consent is required under GDPR or ePrivacy.

This single change often results in a 5-15% improvement in engagement metrics.

What About Historical Data?

Your Google Analytics historical data remains accessible in GA4. ClearAnalytics starts collecting fresh data from the moment you add the script. Most teams find they do not need to reference old GA data after a few weeks with the new tool.

Running Both in Parallel

If you want to compare data quality, run both scripts for 2-4 weeks. You will likely notice that ClearAnalytics shows higher visitor counts because it tracks 100% of visitors, not just those who accepted cookies.