Google Analytics Myth?
-
Dear Moz-members,
I have read several discussions regarding not to implement Google analytics on your website. Reason: Google is tracking your website behavior, for example you have a high bounce rate it will affect your rankings negative.
See it as we are opening the doors too much to Google so it can have a negative impact on your online business, especially when your site is new and you are still building your credit. Because of this i have not chosen to install GA.
What is your experience with this? Most of the time if i read analytics posts at Seomoz, people do have GA installed.
I am also in doubt whether to switch over at GA, but then again mine site is relative new and i am still working on the negative bounce rate/daily visitors.
Would like to hear from you pro's whether this is a myth or not
Thanks!
-
Thanks guys for clarification.
I am building a serious business over here, nothing to hide
I currently have installed Piwik. But GA is being a standard when it comes to integration with other apps and tutorials, so thats why i want to make the switch.
I will just do it and will let you know any significance changes, if so...
Thanks!
-
First, I agree with Francisco and Takeshi, I seriously doubt Google uses this data against you in any way.
If you're really worried about privacy, you can keep your analytics data to yourself by using an open source web analytics package. A few I've come across are Piwik and Open Web Analytics. Neither of these are as well developed as Google Analytics, but at least they'll give you most of the data you're looking for.
-
Yes I agree. But a little clarification here. Google can tell when a searcher goes from Google SERP > Landing Page > Hits Back Button > Back to Google SERP. They will use that info as their bounce rate, but not GA info.
-
Google can and does track user behavior on your site, regardless of whether you have Analytics installed or not. If you are worried you are being dinged for poor site experience, you need to fix your site, not worry about installing Analytics.
-
What you are hearing is garbage. Don't listen to those people. GA has no effect on rankings. Even Matt Cutts said it. If GA did have an effect on rankings, the SERPS would be biased. Also many large companies use Ominture, Web Trends, Site Catalyst for the analytics.
My advice: Install GA.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
In google analytic for google /cpc it is showing url with 404 which even not exists in my database
Hello All, In google analytic for google /cpc it is showing url with 404 which even not exists in my database that also more than 300 per day. How can it is possible? it is showing /black-friday-offers but I don't have such page. Thanks!
Reporting & Analytics | | pragnesh96390 -
How to Configure & Tracking Images in Google Analytic?
Hello Experts, Can anyone tell me for my eCommerce site how to configure images tracking in google analytic? And where can I see the image traffic in google analytic? Not sure I am asking correct question but confuse about image traffic. Thanks! Wrights!
Reporting & Analytics | | wright3350 -
Funnel Problem in Google Analytics - Please help
Hello, I did set up a several funnel steps in my analytics account to get the funnel visualization report. But it's look fishy, something's clearly wrong that it shows only 10 visitors at the first step but actually more than 5k visitors has visited first goal page and followed through the another all steps. Everyday we are receiving 5k to 10k goal conversions but it not showing in the entire funnel steps through first step to last step. Please see the attached screenshot URL for funnel setup (Admin) and funnel visualization report comparing last two months traffic. Total goal conversions received 3,605 in last two months but in funnel chart (report) it showing only 2% conversions in last step. Anybody can tell me what is the problem with that or analytics not tracking properly?si65Y
Reporting & Analytics | | flightcentre200 -
How do I setup a logged-in vs. non logged-in custom variable in Google Analytics?
I found an example of the snippet to use: __gaq.push(['.setCustomVar,
Reporting & Analytics | | Evan34
1, // first slot
'user-type', // custom variable name
'visitor', // custom variable value
2 // custom variable scope - session-level
]); Once the visitor logs into your website, we change this code, accordingly: __gaq.push(['.setCustomVar,
1, // first slot
'user-type', // custom variable name
'regular-user', // custom variable value
2 // custom variable scope - session-level
]); How does the code know to change from 'visitor' to 'regular user' once a user logs in? Is the snippet only placed on the login page?0 -
Google Analytics and Bounce Rates Query - Should I block access from foreign countries ?
Hi , When I look at my google analytics for my UK Website, I can see alot of visits come from outside the UK , i.e Brazil and USA. Both of which give me almost 100% bounce rates from people visiting from there. I am wondering, if google looks at bounce rates with regards to ranking factors and should I therefore block access to my site from visitors outside the UK ?... Would this help increase my rankings ? Given that we only serve uk customers, I cant see any benefit of allowing non uk customers the ability to see the site . what does people think ? thanks pete
Reporting & Analytics | | PeteC121 -
Whats 'Other' in Google Analytics (in Acquisition)
When i look in GA under Channels (under Acquisition) 'other' is listed What is 'other' ? I have been told its other unidentified channels as they did not allow 3rd party cookies or surfers were in anonymous/private mode. Other is usually organic traffic that couldn't be identified for the aformentioned reasons. This data is encrypted and available but it violates Google guidelines as they are not allowed to pass personal info//data to third parties so it is automatically filtered. But they are not 'Not Provided' (since that still shows under organic) but is usually/mainly some form of organic visits. Hence Seo can take credit for much of that traffic, is this correct ? Many Thanks
Reporting & Analytics | | Dan-Lawrence0 -
Linking My Google analytics with visual.ly
Hello, I have a quick question: Is it secure and safe to link my Google Analytics account with Visual.ly here's the link: https://create.visual.ly/graphic/google-analytics I want to create easy-to-understand report from Google Analytics and if you have any experience with this service can you share it with me please. Thanks.
Reporting & Analytics | | JonsonSwartz0 -
Alternatives for google analytics multi account dashboard overview
Hi there, I like the new Google Analytics layout don't get me wrong but I really miss the old possibility to have a quick overview of all your accounts. Does anyone know an alternative for this? Please share your experiences and recommendations.
Reporting & Analytics | | Robbern0