Ask HN: What are the best tools to implement Pirate Metrics?

[submarine]

My website (and service) is finally built, and I'm readying to let my subscribers know about it. Before that, I'd like to set up the metrics.

I hear Google Analytics or Totango are good. Is there anything I should be using before launch?

[gk1]

Google Analytics works right out of the box, but is also powerful enough for more advanced set-ups. I consult on GA setups, so if you need any help just reach out (contact info in profile).

[ycmike]

Mixpanel and it's free! https://mixpanel.com/

[submarine]

I know this sounds silly, but once people are on my site, how can I modify it without disrupting the service? (it's all php/js/html)

[ycmike]

Mixpanel should handle that. I would also look into using Optimizely if you plan on testing a lot.

[submarine]

I meant, the actual code. Right now, I'm modifying the source directly because nobody is on the site. And I just refresh the page to see the changes.

I'm guessing I should put a copy of my code somewhere else , test there, and then upload the changes when I'm donE?

[ycmike]

I see now. Yeah I am not sure about that one myself.

[submarine]

Looks cool. Can't figure out how to use it though...