Summary

You may notice that Google Analytics (GA4) shows a higher pageview count than Triple Whale’s Web Analytics. This discrepancy is due to differences in tracking methods, session definitions, and data collection processes between the two platforms.

Why This Happens

GA4 Tracks More Interactions

• Google Analytics records more than just page loads—it also tracks events such as scrolls, button clicks, and video plays, which do not always trigger a new pageview in Triple Whale.
• Triple Whale focuses on page loads, leading to a lower total count.

Different Session Definitions

• Triple Whale sessions are defined by visits from Direct, Referral, or UTM sources and expire 30 minutes after the last page view.
• GA4 sessions end after 30 minutes of inactivity but can persist across multiple tabs.
• Multiple open browser tabs count as multiple sessions in Triple Whale, but GA4 consolidates them.

Bot Traffic Handling

• GA4 may overcount pageviews due to bot traffic that isn’t filtered out completely.
• Triple Whale applies server-side filtering, reducing inflated pageview counts.

Tracking and Privacy Restrictions

• GA4 relies on client-side tracking (browser cookies), which can be blocked by ad blockers, cookie consent policies, or privacy settings.
• Triple Whale uses server-side tracking, making it more resistant to data loss.

Example Scenario

1. A user visits your store and clicks multiple buttons without reloading the page.
2. GA4 records multiple interaction-based events, increasing the pageview count.
3. Triple Whale only tracks the initial page load, resulting in a lower pageview count.

How This Affects Reporting

Google Analytics Will Typically Show Higher Pageviews

• Since GA4 tracks a wider range of user interactions, it will generally report a higher number of pageviews than Triple Whale.

Session Metrics May Differ

• GA4’s event-based model captures user interactions beyond page views.
• Triple Whale’s Web Analytics focuses on direct page loads and session expiration based on inactivity.

Attribution Differences

• GA4 may associate more pageviews to marketing campaigns due to its broader tracking of events and retained sessions.
• Triple Whale tracks sessions strictly based on UTM, Direct, or Referral sources, leading to cleaner attribution data.

How to Interpret the Data Correctly

Compare Trends, Not Raw Counts

• Pageview counts will differ between GA4 and Triple Whale, but trends over time should align.

Understand the Differences in Tracking

• GA4 includes a broader range of events and interactions.
• Triple Whale focuses on high-confidence session tracking and page loads.

Use the Right Tool for the Right Insight

• If you need event-based insights (clicks, scrolls, video plays, etc.), use GA4.
• If you want cleaner attribution and server-side tracking, use Triple Whale.

By understanding these differences, you can use both tools effectively and get a more complete picture of your website performance.