The Matomo Onpage Metrics module for Drupal
Data is the Key to Improvement!
Statistics are essential for understanding the success of a website. They provide administrators and editors with insights into how visitors interact with the site, which pages are popular, and where improvements are needed. Whether it’s launching a new campaign, publishing a blog post, or updating the homepage, understanding visitor behavior is crucial for refining content strategies.
However, traditional analytics tools like Google Analytics or Matomo often present a challenge. They offer high-level overviews that require significant expertise to navigate. Imagine the convenience of seeing how a specific page is performing directly from the CMS, without sifting through a sea of numbers.
Enter the Matomo Onpage Metrics module for Drupal, a solution that makes statistics accessible right within the CMS.

The power of content
A successful website thrives on diverse content types, often structured using the content pyramid:
- Hero Content: Prominent, fresh information that immediately grabs visitor attention.
- Hub Content: Regularly updated blogs or news items that keep visitors engaged.
- Hygiene Content: Practical, informative pieces that attract search engine traffic.
Each layer of the pyramid has a specific purpose. But how can you determine whether those goals are being achieved? Is your hero content attracting the expected attention? Do visitors return for your hub content? Are older hygiene pages still performing well in search engines?
These are precisely the questions the Matomo Onpage Metrics module answers.
Simplicity and usability
What sets this module apart is its simplicity and ease of use. Editors no longer need to log in to analytics platforms or have in-depth knowledge of statistical software. With just one click from the CMS, you can view the performance of a specific page.
Key benefits of the module include:
- Page-level analytics access: Directly within the Drupal CMS.
- User-friendly interface: No complex tools or technical expertise required.
- Insights for all pages: Even for those not editable by editors, like search results or news overviews.
- Customizable settings: Choose which metrics are displayed, such as pageviews, browsers, or visitor countries.

How does it work?
The Matomo Onpage Metrics module adds an extra option to Drupal’s main menu, right next to the “Manage” button. Once installed, each page gets a link to its analytics. Clicking this link opens a pop-up displaying statistics for the past month. Users can select which graphs to view, such as:
- Number of pageviews
- Visitor counts
- Browsers used
- Visitor countries
- Screen resolutions and operating systems
Administrators can configure which options are available to editors, ensuring only relevant data is shown. This saves time and keeps the focus on what truly matters.
Concrete benefits
With the Matomo Onpage Metrics module, content managers can:
- Evaluate content performance: Instantly see whether a page meets its objectives.
- Make data-driven decisions: Optimize CTAs, refine content, or decide if a page needs updating.
- Work more efficiently: Access all necessary insights directly within the CMS, without extra tools.
- Test and learn: Measure the impact of changes, such as a new title or layout.
Future plans and enhancements
While the module is already highly functional, there are exciting features planned for future updates:
- Faster load times: Including a timer to indicate data loading progress.
- More detailed data displays: For example, pop-ups with daily statistics.
- Adjustable date ranges: Allowing users to compare specific periods.
The module is available for free on Drupal.org. User feedback is instrumental in shaping its development.
Why Matomo over other tools?
Matomo stands out as a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Analytics. It offers robust analytics capabilities without compromising user privacy. By integrating with Drupal through the Onpage Metrics module, Matomo’s power becomes accessible directly to editors working within the CMS.
A must-have for Drupal users
The Matomo Onpage Metrics module is an indispensable tool for anyone using Drupal and seeking insights into content performance. Whether you’re an experienced content manager or just starting out, this module empowers you to make better data-driven decisions.
Try the module today!
Visit Drupal.org to download the module. Have questions or want to learn how this module can benefit your organization? Contact us at Finalist! We’re eager to help you elevate your website to the next level.