Umbraco
Overview
Umbraco is an open-source .NET-based content management system known for its flexibility, developer-friendly architecture, and enterprise capabilities. It powers websites for organizations ranging from small businesses to large enterprises and government institutions.
Best For: Organizations requiring a flexible, enterprise-grade CMS with strong .NET developer support.
Market Position: Leading open-source .NET CMS, competing with Sitecore, Kentico, and Episerver.
Core Features: Flexible content modeling, multilingual support, robust API, headless capabilities, and strong security.
Analytics Capabilities
Umbraco supports comprehensive analytics through:
- No Native Analytics: Umbraco focuses on content management; analytics is handled externally
- Google Analytics Integration: Manual implementation or package-based
- GTM Support: Full support via manual implementation
- Third-Party Pixels: Complete flexibility for any tracking implementation
Data Layer Support
Data layer implementation in Umbraco:
- Implemented via Razor views or API
- Full control over data layer structure
- Can be driven by content properties
Implementation Approach
Umbraco's flexibility means tracking is implemented through:
- Layout templates (Master pages)
- Partial views for specific components
- JavaScript bundling
- Server-side rendering with client-side hydration
Quick Links
Platform-Specific Considerations
Headless/Hybrid Architecture
Umbraco supports headless implementations:
- Content Delivery API for headless frontends
- Tracking implementation differs for SPA frontends
- Consider server-side and client-side tracking
Multilingual Sites
Strong multilingual support affects tracking:
- Separate tracking per language/region
- Use GA4 data streams appropriately
- Consider cultural differences in conversion tracking
Caching Considerations
Umbraco caching can affect tracking:
- Output caching may cache tracking code
- Use cache-busting for dynamic values
- Consider server-side vs. client-side data
.NET Integration
Leverage .NET for advanced tracking:
- Server-side Google Analytics Measurement Protocol
- Custom tracking packages
- Integration with .NET logging and monitoring
Version Considerations
| Version | Status | .NET Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umbraco 13+ | Current | .NET 8 | Latest LTS |
| Umbraco 10-12 | Supported | .NET 6/7 | Active support |
| Umbraco 8 | Legacy | .NET Framework | Security fixes only |
Getting Started
- Choose implementation approach (layout-based or package)
- Implement GTM in master layout
- Create data layer in partial views
- Configure ecommerce tracking if applicable
- Test across cached and uncached pages