This feature is only available in the Pro version of Independent Analytics.
In order to track clicks, Independent Analytics Pro uses a PHP endpoint located in wp-content/plugins/independent-analytics-pro/iawp-click-endpoint.php .
This endpoint operates without loading WordPress, which makes it dramatically faster. However, there are some security tools that prevent PHP files from being executed without WordPress getting loaded first, and this blocks click tracking from working.
There are three tools that we are currently aware of that block the PHP execution IA Pro requires to track clicks:
- Solid Security
- Cloudways
- Security Optimizer
Here are the steps to resolve each of these conflicts.
Solid Security
If you are using the Solid Security plugin, you will need to disable the option that blocks PHP execution in the plugins folder.
To do so, visit the Security > Settings menu. Then, click on the Advanced section and open the System Tweaks Settings. Lastly, uncheck the Disable PHP in Plugins box and save your settings.
Once saved, the notice warning you about this setting will disappear, and click tracking will resume. You can continue to block PHP execution in both the uploads and themes folders.
Cloudways
If you’re using Cloudways, it disables all PHP execution by default, so this needs to be enabled for click tracking in IA Pro to work.
In order to enable PHP execution, start by clicking on your server and choosing the site application in Cloudways. Next, click on Application Settings and then open the WordPress Settings menu. Lastly, enable the Direct PHP Files Access option and save your changes.
If you want to limit PHP execution in other folders, you could use Solid Security to lock down the themes folder and uploads folder.
Alternatively, you can upload an .htaccess file to the uploads folder to disable direct PHP access there. Here is a tutorial on how to do that.
Security Optimizer
If you’re using the Security Optimizer plugin, there is an option called “Lock and Protect System Folders” that will block PHP execution throughout the site.
In order to get click tracking to work, please toggle that option off and then back on.
Independent Analytics Pro includes a filter that whitelists the PHP endpoint used for click-tracking. The option in Security Optimizer just needs to be toggled off and on so that it can recreate the .htaccess file, including the whitelist rule defined by IA Pro. Then, your clicks on your site will be tracked.