[throw10382]

Is it possible to add a basic ping that pings your server whenever a page loads (cached or not) to get around this?

[renewiltord]

Yes, with Cache-Control, and then if you turn that product into a SaaS so that not every website has to run a copy, you get Google Analytics.

[nindalf]

I think some startups are now trying to offer this as a self hosted service. That sidesteps the concerns around using a half baked, DIY solution as well as issues with privacy and data ownership.