If you publish on the web for any amount of time, you eventually want to know how your content is doing. Not every writer needs deep funnels or heavy dashboards, but everyone wants a clear picture of whether people are reading their posts, where they are coming from, and which pages keep visitors interested.
The problem is that most analytics tools rely on cookies or large tracking scripts. They slow down pages and raise privacy questions, especially if you are trying to keep your site lightweight. The good news is that you can still understand your blog's performance without creeping on readers or loading complex scripts. Privacy first analytics tools have come a long way and they give you the information you need without crossing any lines.
In this guide we will look at how cookie free analytics work, why they matter, and how they fit perfectly with static site publishing.
Why Cookie Free Analytics Matter
Cookies have been the default way to track users for years. They work, but they come with downsides. They follow people from page to page and often across different sites, which is why many users block them or clear them regularly. They also trigger consent banners in many regions, which interrupt the reading experience.
Cookie free analytics take a different approach. Instead of tracking individuals, they record anonymous events. You still see page views, visit duration, top pages, referrers, and basic device information. What you do not see are personal details about your visitors. There is no fingerprinting and no identifiers that stick to a specific person. The result is a faster site and better trust with readers.
Examples of Cookie Free Tools
Several tools now offer privacy focused analytics. Three popular options for bloggers and small sites are Plausible, Fathom Analytics, and Google Analytics in its consent free mode.
Plausible has built its reputation around being lightweight and privacy friendly. The script is tiny and the dashboard focuses on clarity rather than long lists of charts. It avoids cookies entirely and never gathers identifying information.
Fathom Analytics is another strong privacy first tool. It uses a single fast script, works without cookies, and focuses on clear insights that are easy to follow. Many creators choose Fathom because it is built for small sites that want simple reporting without complicated setup.
Google Analytics can be configured in ways that reduce tracking, but it is still a large and complex system that many personal blogs do not need. For most Markdown based sites, it often feels far heavier than required.
There are other tools as well, but the principle stays the same. Modern privacy analytics tools give you the insight you need without tagging every visitor.
What You Can Track Without Cookies
Even without cookies, you can still measure the things that matter most to content focused sites.
Page views. See how many people read each post and follow trends over time.
Popular pages. Identify which posts attract the most attention.
Referrers. Understand where visitors are coming from, whether that is search engines, social platforms, or direct links.
Visit duration. Get a sense of how long people stay on a page.
Device type. Check whether readers are on mobile, tablet, or desktop.
For most blogs, this is more than enough to understand what is working.
Why This Fits Perfectly With Static Sites
Static sites already offer great performance. They load quickly because they skip server processing entirely. Adding a heavy analytics tool defeats the purpose, so lightweight tracking fits naturally with static publishing.
Cookie free analytics respect that approach. They add almost no load time and they keep your pages clean. They also align with the mindset behind Markdown publishing. Write clearly, keep your site focused, and avoid extra noise.
How hosted.md Will Support This in the Future
Hosted.md does not offer built in analytics yet, but it will in the future as part of the Pro plan. The goal is to provide privacy first, lightweight analytics that match the way people build sites on the platform. When analytics arrive, they will be cookie free, fast to load, and focused on the information that actually helps writers understand their audience.
The plan is for site owners to see page views, top pages, referrers, and similar high level metrics directly inside the dashboard. This approach avoids the need to sign up for external tools or copy tracking scripts into templates. It will feel natural to use, just like the rest of the platform.
This future analytics system fits the wider goal of hosted.md. The platform is built around fast sites, predictable behaviour, and a clean authoring experience. Privacy first analytics sit comfortably within that vision.
Final Thoughts
You do not need cookies to measure your blog's performance. Modern tools give you the insights that matter without slowing your site or forcing visitors to accept tracking. Cookie free analytics keep the experience clean and respectful and they suit the kind of sites people build with hosted.md.
Although hosted.md does not include analytics yet, they are planned for the Pro tier. When they arrive, they will match the platform's focus on speed, privacy, and a pleasant writing experience. A lighter approach makes publishing more enjoyable for both you and your readers.