13: Matomo - Privacy‑Friendly Analytics

Matomo is a self‑hosted web analytics platform (an alternative to Google Analytics) that lets you track website visits while keeping full control of your data. For detailed usage and advanced features, please refer to the official Matomo documentation . 

 What is Matomo? (Simple Explanation) 

 Matomo shows you how people use your website: how many visitors you have, what pages they view, where they come from, and more — all without sending data to third parties. 

 

 ✅ Privacy‑friendly and GDPR‑compliant 

 ✅ Real‑time stats and easy dashboards 

 ✅ Full control — runs on your own server 

 ✅ Unlimited sites can be tracked 

 

 Prerequisites 

 Before installing Matomo, make sure you have: 

 

 ✅ Traefik installed (from Chapter 4) for HTTPS and domains 

 ✅ Docker running (from Chapter 3) 

 ✅ Apprise installed (from Chapter 5) for notifications 

 ✅ Borgmatic installed (from Chapter 6) for automated backups 

 ✅ A domain name (recommended) and email for SSL certificates 

 

 Interdependencies: Matomo uses a MariaDB database. Database backups are handled by Borgmatic (Chapter 6). Borgmatic notifications rely on Apprise (Chapter 5). 

 Step 1: Start Infinity Tools 

 Connect to your server via SSH and start Infinity Tools: 

 sudo infinity-tools 

 Open Applications 

 

 Go to 📱 APPLICATIONS 

 Select Matomo 

 Choose Install Matomo 

 

 Step 2: Choose HTTPS Mode 

 When prompted: 

 Use Traefik for SSL? (Y/n) 

 

 Y (recommended): Uses your domain and automatic SSL via Traefik 

 N: Standalone mode using a direct port (HTTP or self‑signed HTTPS) 

 

 Step 3: Enter Your Domain (Traefik Mode) 

 Examples: 

 

 analytics.yourdomain.com 

 stats.yourdomain.com 

 

 No domain? The installer will ask you to pick a port for local access. 

 Step 4: Wait for Installation 

 First‑time setup takes a few minutes. Matomo and its database will be created and started. 

 Step 5: Open Matomo and Complete the Wizard 

 

 Traefik mode: Visit https://your-domain 

 Standalone mode: Visit the IP and port shown by the installer (e.g., http://SERVER_IP:PORT or https://SERVER_IP:PORT ) 

 

 Follow the Matomo setup wizard: 

 

 System check → Next 

 Database setup → The installer shows your database credentials 

 Create your admin account 

 Add your first website to track 

 Copy the tracking code (you’ll paste it into your website later) 

 

 Step 6: Verify It’s Running 

 In Infinity Tools, go to 📊 STATUS & HEALTH → STATUS . You should see Matomo and its database running. 

 Recommended Next Steps 

 

 ✅ Add the tracking code to your website (before </head> ) 

 ✅ Set up the Matomo cron for reports and archiving (see below) 

 ✅ Confirm backups include Matomo’s database 

 ✅ Review privacy settings (IP anonymization, Do Not Track) 

 

 Cron for Archiving (Recommended) 

 Add this to your server’s crontab to keep reports up‑to‑date: 

 */5 * * * * docker exec matomo /usr/local/bin/php /var/www/html/console core:archive >/dev/null 2>&1 

 Troubleshooting 

 Can’t access the site 

 

 Check Traefik is running: docker ps | grep traefik 

 Verify your domain points to your server (DNS) 

 Wait a few minutes for SSL certificates 

 View logs: docker logs matomo 

 

 Database connection error 

 

 Check database container: docker ps | grep matomo-db 

 Use the database credentials shown during installation 

 Restart: cd /opt/speedbits/matomo && docker compose restart 

 

 Quick Reference 

 Check containers: 

 docker ps | grep -E "matomo|matomo-db" 

 View logs: 

 docker logs matomo 

 Restart services: 

 cd /opt/speedbits/matomo && docker compose restart 

 Helpful Resources 

 

 Official Matomo documentation 

 Matomo user guides