Complete Guide: Switching from Google Analytics

Step 1: Export Your Google Analytics Data

Before switching, export your historical data from Google Analytics. While Invoker will start fresh (historical data isn't migrated), you may want your GA data for reference.

Export from GA4

Go to Google Analytics > Reports
Navigate to the report you want to export
Click the share icon in the top right
Select "Download file" (PDF or CSV)
Repeat for each report you want to keep

For bulk exports, consider using the Google Analytics API or a tool like Google Sheets with the GA add-on.

Step 2: Sign Up for Invoker

Go to invoker.app/register
Create your account (no credit card required)
Add your website by entering your domain
Copy your unique tracking code

Step 3: Install the Invoker Script

Add the Invoker script to your website. The installation method depends on your platform:

Generic HTML

Add this script tag to your website's <head> section:

<script defer data-domain="yourdomain.com" src="https://cdn.invoker.app/js/script.js"></script>

WordPress

Install a header script plugin (like "Insert Headers and Footers")
Paste the script in the header section
Save changes

Next.js / React

// In your _app.js or layout.tsx
import Script from 'next/script'

export default function Layout({ children }) {
  return (
    <>
      <Script
        defer
        data-domain="yourdomain.com"
        src="https://cdn.invoker.app/js/script.js"
      />
      {children}
    </>
  )
}

Shopify

Go to Online Store > Themes > Edit code
Find theme.liquid
Paste the script before </head>
Save

Step 4: Verify Installation

Visit your website in a new browser tab
Open your Invoker dashboard
Check the real-time view for your visit
If you see your visit, installation is successful!

Step 5: Run Both Tools (Optional)

You can run both Google Analytics and Invoker simultaneously for a week or two. This lets you:

Compare data between the two tools
Ensure Invoker is tracking correctly
Give stakeholders time to adapt

Note: Numbers won't match exactly because the tools measure differently (GA uses cookies, Invoker doesn't).

Step 6: Remove Google Analytics

Once you're confident in Invoker, remove the Google Analytics script:

Find the GA script in your code (usually starts with gtag or ga)
Remove the entire script tag
Also remove any Google Tag Manager containers if only used for GA
Clear your cache and verify GA is no longer loading

Finding the GA Script

Google Analytics scripts typically look like one of these:

<!-- GA4 -->
<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XXXXXXX"></script>

<!-- Universal Analytics (old) -->
<script async src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script>

What to Expect After Switching

Numbers Will Differ

Invoker and GA measure visitors differently. Invoker typically shows lower unique visitor counts because:

We don't use cookies, so returning visitors in the same day aren't always identified
We don't track users who have ad blockers (though our block rate is lower)
We don't count bot traffic that GA might include

Simpler Reports

You'll notice Invoker's dashboard is much simpler. This is intentional. We show you the metrics that matter without the complexity.

No Cookie Banner Needed

Once you remove GA, you may be able to remove or simplify your cookie consent banner (check if you have other cookies first).

Switching from Google Analytics to Invoker

Migration Overview