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I recently had the chance to join Nathan Wrigley on the WP Tavern podcast, where we explored the evolving world of web analytics, the growing challenges around privacy, and the story behind Conversion Bridge.

Having worked with WordPress for over 15 years—starting with client sites and now creating plugins full time—it’s been interesting to watch how analytics has changed. From the early days of basic server logs to the power (and complexity) of tools like Google Analytics, the landscape looks very different today.

During the conversation, we dug into how privacy laws like GDPR have forced all of us—developers, marketers, and business owners—to rethink how we track and use data. These laws aren’t just checkboxes anymore. They’re real, and they’ve reshaped how tools need to work. That’s part of what led me to build Conversion Bridge—a plugin designed to make conversion tracking simple, flexible, and works with privacy-focused analytics platforms.

We also talked about the rise of modern analytics platforms like Fathom, Plausible, and Usermaven. These newer tools focus on privacy, using cookieless tracking methods that respect users without sacrificing key insights. It’s a refreshing shift—and one I believe is better for everyone in the long run.

One of the main themes we kept coming back to was accessibility. Not just in terms of users on a website, but in how site owners access and understand their data. Many of the traditional tools are overkill or too complex, especially for smaller businesses or WordPress freelancers. With Conversion Bridge, my goal has always been to make setup as easy as flipping a toggle—no code, no confusion.

If you’re building WooCommerce stores, client sites, or simply want better insights without compromising on ethics, this episode digs into how we can all adapt and move forward with smarter, simpler tracking.

Derek Ashauer
Derek Ashauer is the lead developer of the Conversion Bridge WordPress plugin. He has been involved with WordPress since 2005 and has worked with hundreds of clients to build custom websites. He now uses that experience to build highly-rated and helpful WordPress plugins.