Data Discrepancies

Why your numbers might differ between platforms.

ListenLayer vs Google Analytics

Common Reasons

Reason
Impact

Ad blockers

GA blocked more often

Bot filtering

Different algorithms

Sampling

GA4 samples large datasets

Timezone

Different default timezones

Session definitions

Different timeout rules

What to Expect

Differences of 5-15% are normal between any two analytics platforms.

Reducing Discrepancies

  1. Use server-side tracking for more consistent data

  2. Align timezone settings

  3. Compare the same date ranges exactly

ListenLayer vs Your Database

Event Count Differences

  • Timing: Events may be in-flight at time of comparison

  • Deduplication: Different dedup rules

  • Filtering: Check if bots are filtered differently

Revenue Differences

  • Currency: Verify same currency

  • Refunds: Check if refunds are included

  • Timing: Revenue events may process at different speeds

Form Submissions

ListenLayer Shows More

  • May be tracking abandoned submissions

  • May count partial submissions

  • Check spam filtering differences

ListenLayer Shows Fewer

  • Form may not be detected

  • JavaScript errors blocking tracking

  • Form submits via API (not UI)

Investigating Discrepancies

  1. Start small: Compare a single day

  2. Check definitions: Same event = same thing?

  3. Look at raw data: Export and compare

  4. Check filters: Any segments applied?

  5. Contact support: We can help investigate

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