I can’t express how much I’ve needed news of a new and improved traffic statistics provider. Statcounter is, well, it’s Statcounter. Not much too it except that the 100 visits you get to see are some what in real time. Sitemeter is untrustworthy, and a system that I’ve never felt comfortable using.

Google Analytics is decent, but it’s a little complex for my basic needs and doesn’t operate in real time.

Until now there hasn’t been any other options. Thanks to Clicky, we now have something fresh on the table.

Clicky calls itself “web analytics 2.0″, and I for one find it a very fitting label. Compared to the other stat providers, Clicky offers far more tools and goodies.

Basic Features on Free Accounts
-Customizable dashboard
-Clean interface
-Visitor details
-Track custom data
-API (Application Program Interface)
-TagClouds
-Data export
-Track outbound links
-Track file downloads
-Stats via RSS
-Real time stats
-FeedBurner integration
-Google Maps integration
-IP Tagging
-IP Filtering
-Works with visitors who have JavaScript disabled
-Secure web site support (SSL/HTTPS)
-Full dynamic referer tracking
-Public statistics
-Affiliate system

If you’re a Wordpress widget fan, you’ll be happy to know that Clicky also provides Wordpress widgets ready to lock and load. For the code junkies like myself, it’s a simple process of dropping the code snippet into your footer file and you’re good to go.

In fact, I had real time data coming in just two minutes after installing the code.

Bloggers looking for a good stat provider will definitely want to give Clicky a try. You won’t regret it.