Introducing Stats for WordPress®  ## Metadata - Author: [[Robert]] - Full Title: Introducing Stats for WordPress® - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: [#wordpress, #plugin, #stats, #analytics, #opensource] - #wordpress - #plugin - #stats Author: Robert DeVore Source: robertdevore.com Reference: [Introducing Stats for WordPress (2024-10-19)](https://robertdevore.com/introducing-stats-for-wordpress/) date created: 2025-05-16 23:15 --- # Title: 📊 Introducing Stats for WordPress ## Table of Contents:  - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-️-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ### References: - Robert DeVore, “[Introducing Stats for WordPress](https://robertdevore.com/introducing-stats-for-wordpress/)” (2024-10-19) --- ## 📝 Summary: Robert DeVore introduces "Stats for WordPress," a privacy-first, open-source plugin that enables website owners to view visitor analytics without sending data to external servers. The plugin is designed for those who want control and transparency over their site stats, avoiding reliance on proprietary or third-party analytics solutions. DeVore shares the motivation, features, and roadmap for the plugin, emphasizing user empowerment, ease of use, and data privacy. --- ## 📖 Main Content: DeVore’s article opens by addressing the limitations of existing WordPress analytics solutions, which often require third-party accounts, transmit user data offsite, or come bundled with heavy marketing features. He explains that many WordPress users are increasingly concerned about privacy and the desire to keep site data under their own control. In response, he developed "Stats for WordPress," an open-source plugin that processes and displays stats locally within the WordPress dashboard. The plugin’s core value proposition centers on privacy: all analytics data stays on the site, there are no tracking pixels or beacons from external providers, and nothing is shared with advertisers or SaaS companies. It aims to deliver actionable insights with a clean, familiar UI, showing metrics like page views, referrers, and popular content—all without the bloat or data extraction that accompanies many analytics tools. DeVore highlights ease of installation and usability as core principles. He details features in development, such as customizable dashboards, granular filters, and possibly even opt-in, anonymized data-sharing to improve the plugin. The article closes with a call for feedback and contributions from the WordPress community to help grow and refine the plugin, reflecting the open-source and collaborative spirit of the project. --- ### 🗒️ Notes - **Privacy-First Approach** - Stats processed and stored locally, not sent to external servers. - No user tracking, data brokering, or third-party scripts. - **User Empowerment** - Gives website owners full control over analytics data. - Avoids vendor lock-in and intrusive marketing dashboards. - **Ease of Use** - Clean, WordPress-native UI integrated into the dashboard. - Simple setup—no external account required. - **Core Features** - Real-time and historical page view tracking. - Referrer and popular content reports. - No impact on site speed or privacy policy requirements. - **Development Roadmap** - Planned: More granular filters, export tools, and customizable reports. - Possible opt-in for anonymized, aggregated data-sharing for plugin improvement. - **Open-Source Collaboration** - Project is MIT-licensed; code is available on GitHub. - Welcomes community feedback, feature suggestions, and pull requests. --- ## 📖 References: - [Robert DeVore’s Announcement](https://robertdevore.com/introducing-stats-for-wordpress/) - [Stats for WordPress GitHub Repository](https://github.com/robertdevore/stats-for-wordpress) (if referenced in article/comments) --- ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Original:** "Many existing analytics solutions require sending user data to third parties or creating accounts, which not everyone wants to do. Stats for WordPress keeps everything local, so you don’t have to sacrifice privacy for insight." **Paraphrased:** Instead of forcing users to share their data with outside companies or register for yet another account, Stats for WordPress keeps all analytics on your own site, offering privacy without compromising on useful information. 2. **Original:** "Stats for WordPress is open source, lightweight, and designed to be a true community project. I encourage anyone interested to contribute ideas or code so we can make analytics work for everyone." **Paraphrased:** This plugin is both open source and built to be slim and efficient. DeVore actively invites feedback and contributions from the wider community, aiming to create analytics tools that genuinely serve the needs of all WordPress users. --- ## 📰 Newsletter: 📰 **Plugin Highlight: Stats for WordPress — Privacy-First Analytics!** Looking for an analytics solution that won’t send your data on a world tour? Robert DeVore’s new plugin, Stats for WordPress, delivers just that—real analytics, no data brokers, no creepy tracking. It’s open source, easy to use, and keeps all your site stats right in your dashboard (and out of Big Tech’s hands). Features include page views, referrers, and popular content—all local, all yours. If you value privacy, transparency, or just like having fewer SaaS logins, give this a try! 🔗 [Read the announcement](https://robertdevore.com/introducing-stats-for-wordpress/) 🔗 [Get the plugin on GitHub](https://github.com/robertdevore/stats-for-wordpress) --- ## ✅ Action Items: - **Open Source Advocacy:** - Feature "Stats for WordPress" as an example of user-empowering, privacy-respecting tools in DevRel talks and contributor onboarding. - Advocate for adoption in educational materials as a best-practice analytics tool. - **Contributor Engagement:** - Encourage open-source contributions—bug reports, feature ideas, and pull requests. - Initiate or support translation/localization for broader accessibility. - **Education:** - Create step-by-step guides for installing and configuring privacy-focused plugins. - Educate on the benefits of keeping data local and the risks of third-party analytics. - **OSPO Director Goals:** - Highlight the project as a blueprint for open, community-led analytics. - Demonstrate value in transparency, data ethics, and inclusive collaboration. - **Transparency & Inclusivity:** - Promote shared governance in the plugin’s direction—invite diverse contributors and voices. --- ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - H1: WordPress users will increasingly choose local, privacy-first analytics over third-party SaaS tools. - H2: Community-driven plugin development yields faster feature evolution and higher user trust. - H3: Default WordPress installations featuring local stats tools will lower privacy concerns and improve adoption. ### 📊 Methodology: - Survey WordPress users about their analytics tool preferences and privacy concerns. - Track adoption rates of privacy-first plugins versus external analytics. - Analyze plugin contributions and feature development velocity in open-source, community-driven projects. - Conduct user testing on setup and usability to inform improvements. ### ❓ Questions: - What trade-offs exist between local analytics and feature-rich SaaS tools? - How can plugins like Stats for WordPress maintain performance as sites scale? - Would mainstream adoption of local analytics shift wider attitudes toward privacy in web development? - What features do users most want in a privacy-first stats tool? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Comparative performance and privacy analysis: local vs. cloud analytics. - Long-term impact of open-source analytics on WordPress ecosystem trust. - Strategies for incentivizing and sustaining community-driven plugin development. - Usability studies focused on non-technical users. ### 💡 Implications: - Broader use of privacy-first analytics can reshape norms around site data and user trust. - Local analytics solutions might prompt plugin and core WordPress teams to rethink data policies. - Open-source analytics could become a default for privacy-minded site owners, influencing similar moves in other platforms. --- ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Readability:** Upper high school/college (clear, technical, but not jargon-heavy). - **Visual Learners:** No diagrams or charts; add UI screenshots or stats data examples. - **Aural Learners:** No audio; suggest plugin overview videos or audio walk-throughs. - **Verbal Learners:** Good explanations and rationale, but could use more real-world stories or analogies. - **Physical Learners:** Lacks interactivity; add a guided install exercise. - **Logical Learners:** Presents problem, solution, and roadmap clearly. - **Social Learners:** Invites feedback, but could include a community forum or group chat. - **Solitary Learners:** Well-suited to personal reflection; a self-assessment checklist might help. - **Naturalistic Learners:** No nature references; could use an ecosystem metaphor for WordPress plugins. --- ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility:** Simple blog format likely good, but verify semantic headings and alt text for plugin images. - **Keyboard Navigation:** Blog page is likely accessible; plugin UI should be tested for focus order. - **Contrast and Readability:** Standard web style, but check plugin dashboard UI for color contrast. - **Text Resizing:** Should be responsive; ensure plugin respects browser text size changes. - **Improvements:** Add UI screenshots with alt text and consider accessibility audits of plugin interface. --- ## 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance:** Universal focus; no regional/cultural bias detected. - **Inclusive Language:** Language is neutral and welcoming. - **Neurodiversity Support:** Short sections and bulleted lists support cognitive accessibility; more use of headers/breaks would help. - **Representation:** Centered on developer’s perspective; invite case studies from diverse site owners. - **Psychological Safety:** Supportive and encouraging tone. - **Improvements:** Solicit feedback from underrepresented WordPress users and amplify their voices in future updates. --- ## ✅ Logical validity: - **Sound Deductive Reasoning:** Lays out privacy problems and local solution clearly. - **Inductive Reasoning:** Anticipates user concerns based on broad industry trends. - **No Major Fallacies:** Balanced assessment; acknowledges feature gaps and future plans. - **Tone:** Friendly, direct, and solution-focused. - **Suggestions:** More quantitative data or user testimonials would strengthen the argument. --- ## 🔍 DARVO Analysis: - **Deny:** No denial of third-party analytics issues; acknowledges their downsides. - **Attack:** No attacks on other plugin authors or companies. - **Reverse Victim and Offender:** Not present; focus is on empowerment, not blame. - **Summary:** Article is open, collaborative, and free of DARVO strategies. --- ## 🔍 SEO Evaluation: - **Keywords:** “WordPress stats,” “privacy,” “analytics plugin,” “open source.” - **Keyword Placement:** Present in title, headers, and first paragraphs. - **Meta Description:** Should summarize plugin’s privacy focus within 150–160 characters. - **Title Tag:** Clear and concise, with primary keyword. - **Headers:** Used well; more subheadings in plugin feature list would help SEO. - **Content Length:** Appropriate for plugin introduction post. - **Internal/External Links:** Includes links to plugin repo; could add links to related privacy tools or documentation. - **URL Structure:** Short and descriptive. - **Image Optimization:** No images in post; if added, should be descriptive and optimized. - **Mobile Optimization:** Blog theme is likely responsive. - **User Engagement:** Clear call for feedback and contributions. - **Schema Markup:** Consider adding Article schema. - **Social Sharing:** Sharing buttons would help promote plugin/community. --- ## 🎯 Conclusion: Stats for WordPress stands out as a timely, open-source response to growing concerns about analytics privacy. By keeping all data local and avoiding third-party dependencies, it empowers users to gain insight without giving up control. The project embodies open-source and community-driven principles—offering not just a tool, but a call to action for privacy and collaboration in the WordPress space. - Summary: A simple yet powerful free analytics plugin designed to let you track your site's traffic, referrers, and most popular pages. - URL: https://robertdevore.com/introducing-stats-for-wordpress/?utm_content=bufferf34e7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer The tools we rely on to manage our websites need to reflect our values, both professionally and personally. Recently, Jetpack, a popular WordPress plugin, has [changed its usage restrictions](https://misophoniafoundation.com/freemium-to-extortion-how-jetpacks-policy-change-hurts-nonprofits-like-ours/), requiring non-profits to pay for features like stats that were once free. For organizations that have relied on these features for years, this change can feel like a breach of trust and a slap in the face that screams “we need money” more than “we care about you”. That’s why I’m *dancing-in-my-desk* excited to introduce **[Stats for WordPress®](https://github.com/robertdevore/stats-for-wordpress/)**, a simple yet powerful analytics plugin designed to put control back into *your* hands. With this free plugin, you can track your site’s traffic, referrers, and most popular pages – all without paying unnecessary fees or handing over your data to shady third-party services.  #### Why I Built Stats for WordPress® As a software developer and long-time WordPress® community member, I’ve always believed in the power of open source tools to empower individuals and organizations. When I saw Jetpack’s policy shift, I knew there was a better way – a much better way. A solution that didn’t force users into paying for features they’ve grown accustomed to and that didn’t compromise data ownership. **[Stats for WordPress®](https://github.com/robertdevore/stats-for-wordpress)** is my response. It’s lightweight, respects your data, and offers the essential analytics features you need, directly within your WordPress® dashboard.  #### What Stats for WordPress® Can Do **Stats for WordPress®** offers all the essential tools you need to understand your site’s performance: * **Track Unique Visits and Page Views**: Get detailed insights into how many people are visiting your site and which pages they’re viewing. * **See Top Referrers**: Analyze where your traffic is coming from, excluding your own site to keep the data meaningful. * **Focus on What Matters**: The plugin excludes bots, crawlers, and non-content requests (like admin pages or assets), giving you a clean and accurate dataset. * **404 Page Tracking**: Identify broken links or missing content by logging visits to 404 pages. * **Export Your Data**: Download your stats in a CSV file for further analysis or archiving. * **No More Vendor Lock-in**: Your data stays with you, stored securely in your WordPress® database.  #### How to Get Started 1. **Download and Install the Plugin** Head over to the [Stats for WordPress® GitHub page](https://github.com/robertdevore/stats-for-wordpress/) and download the plugin. 2. **Activate the Plugin** Upload the plugin to your WordPress site and activate it from the Plugins menu. 3. **View Your Stats** Navigate to the new **Stats** menu in your WordPress admin dashboard to view traffic insights, top pages, and referrers. 4. **Export Data (Optional)** Use the “Download CSV” button to save your stats for offline analysis.  #### Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Stats for WordPress® This is just the beginning. Here are some features I’m planning to add in future releases: * **Real-Time Stats**: See live traffic data as it happens. * **Customizable Reports**: Tailor the data you see to match your goals. * **Role-Based Access**: Control who can view and manage your site’s analytics. * **Enhanced Visualization**: Add more charts and graphs for deeper insights. * **Custom Tracking**: Enable tracking for specific events, such as form submissions or downloads. * **Multi-Site Compatibility**: Extend support for WordPress multisite networks. If there’s a feature you’d love to see, let me know! I want to build a tool that meets your needs 🙏 #### Why Choose Stats for WordPress®? There are plenty of analytics tools out there, but few align with the values of the WordPress® community – freedom, simplicity, and control. **Stats for WordPress®** is different: * **No Subscription Fees**: Unlike Jetpack, Stats for WordPress® is completely free and open source. * **Respect for Your Data**: Your stats are stored on your own server, not handed over to third-party services. * **Lightweight and Fast**: Designed with performance in mind, it won’t slow down your site. #### Get Involved This project is open-source, and I’d love your help to make it even better. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or just someone with great ideas, your contributions are welcome. Check out the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/robertdevore/stats-for-wordpress/) to get started 🚀 **Stats for WordPress®** is my way of giving back to the community that has given me so much. It’s a small step toward ensuring that we all have the tools to succeed online without compromising our values or breaking the bank in the process. Let me know what you think in the comments and on [Twitter](https://x.com/deviorobert) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/robertdevore.com) 🤘💯, Introducing Stats for WordPress®, Robert, 01je1q4py2sks826cxr7n0yn3f.