I like to use RunCloud in order to manage my servers (I also recommend Cloudron for those wanting a free solution or refer to this list for awesome alternatives).

I’ve transitioned most of my clients from Google Analytics to Umami Analytics. Historical data migration is tricky (so I still keep their Google Analytics accounts), but Umami offers the perfect balance of ownership and functionality. It’s a great open-source alternative that works really well.

Here is how to run Umami Analytics on your own RunCloud webapp.

Initial Web Application Setup

1. Create New Web Application

• Go to “Web Application” in RunCloud
• Click “Create Web Application”
• Name it “Umami-Analytics” (or your preferred name)
• Select your domain/subdomain
• Choose these settings:
  • Web Application Stack: “Native NGINX + Custom config”
  • Stack Mode: “Production”
  • PHP Version: 8.1
  • Web Application Type: “Custom”

1. SSL/TLS Setup

• In RunCloud dashboard, go to “SSL/TLS” section
• Click “Add SSL”
• Select your domain/subdomain (e.g., analytics.yourdomain.com)
• Choose Let’s Encrypt or custom SSL
• Complete SSL installation before proceeding

NGINX Configuration

1. Access NGINX Config

• In your web application, click “NGINX Config” in the left sidebar
• Click “Add Config”
• For “Type” select: “location.root”
• Config Name will auto-populate, should end with .conf

1. Enter Configuration

   location / {
       proxy_pass http://localhost:3000;
       proxy_set_header Host $host;
       proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
       proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
       proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
   }

• Click “Update config”
• Click “Run and Debug” to verify syntax

Database Setup

1. Create MariaDB Database

• Go to “Linked Database” section
• Click “Update Linked Database”
• Create database named umami_db
• Create user named umami_user
• Set charset to utf8mb4_unicode_520_ci
• Save your database password securely

Application Installation

These instructions are adapted from the Umami Analytics’ docs.

1. Access Server & Install

   # Navigate to application directory
   cd /home/runcloud/webapps/Umami-Analytics

   # Clone Umami
   git clone https://github.com/umami-software/umami.git .

   # Create environment file
   nano .env

2. Configure Environment
   Add to .env:

   DATABASE_URL=mysql://umami_user:your_password@localhost:3306/umami_db

Replace your_password with actual password

3. Build Application

   # Install dependencies
   npm install

   # Build the application
   npm run build

   # Install PM2 if not already installed
   npm install -g pm2

   # Start with PM2
   pm2 start npm --name "umami" -- start

   # Configure PM2 startup
   pm2 save
   pm2 startup

Upgrading Umami

1. Update Code

   cd /home/runcloud/webapps/Umami-Analytics
   git pull
   yarn install
   yarn build

2. Restart Service

   pm2 stop umami
   pm2 start npm --name "umami" -- start
   pm2 save

Verification

• Access your analytics at: https://your-subdomain.yourdomain.com
• Default login: admin
• Default password: umami
• Important: Change default password immediately after first login

Troubleshooting

• Check NGINX logs: Web Server Log in RunCloud dashboard
• Check application logs: pm2 logs umami
• Verify SSL status in RunCloud SSL/TLS section
• Ensure port 3000 isn’t being used by another application

Also, if you want something even more turnkey for WordPress websites, Koko Analytics is fantastic and super client friendly.