Queries vs Keywords
-
Can anyone clarify why my list of queries from google webmaster tools varies so much from the keywords that have resulted in clicks?
I have a site that, according to Google analytics, has had clicks from 125 key phrases where as in webmaster tools (via analytics) allegedly only 17 queries have resulted in clicks. Is it becuase GA can't handle less than 5 clicks from the webmaster data or is it something else I am missing?
The site I am researching for has very little traffic from other search engines.
-
It really is bizarre, the number of unique keywords or queries is as follows:
Google Webmaster Queries (in webmaster) - 77
Google Webmaster Queries resulting in clicks (in analytics) - 18 (406 in total)
Keyword clicks to the site (in analytics) - 125
There must be something I'm missing!
-
Sorry about that, I misread your question.
I wasn't really sure of the answer once I reread your question, but I did find this link from Google Support after digging around a bit: http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1213138
-
I understand about the Google log in but, unless I have misunderstood your response, this also applies to the keywords that have driven traffic to the site.
Why are so many more keywords showing in my analytics than queries that resulted in click? Is this not the same data? Is this where I am going wrong?
-
This is because of Google's (fairly) recent change in reporting of search referrals within Google Analytics. If the user who visits your site is using Google under SSL (so with a https prefix), their search term is hidden and shows up in Google Analytics as (not provided). So when you look at the list of search queries in GA, you are only looking at the queries that people searched for when they weren't accessing Google through SSL. Everything else gets lumped into (not provided).
In Webmaster Tools though, you're able to see ALL of the searches, even the ones from HTTPS searches. That's what creates the discrepancy.
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
-
Confused about PageSpeed Insights vs Site Load for SEO Benefit?
I was comparing sites with a friend of mine, and I have a higher PageSpeed Insights score for mobile and desktop than he does, but he his google analytics has his page load speed higher than. So assuming all things equal, some quality of conent, links, etc, is it better to have a site with a higher PageSpeed score or faster site load? To me, it makes more sense for it to be the latter, but if that's true, what's the point of the PageSpeed insights? Thanks for your help! I appreciate it. Ruben
Algorithm Updates | | KempRugeLawGroup0 -
Home page rank for keyword
Hi Mozers I have traded from my website balloon.co.uk for over 10 years. For a long while the site ranked first for the word 'balloon' across the UK on google.co.uk (first out of 41 million). Around the time Penguin launched the site began to drop and currently sits on about page 5. What's confusing is that for a search on 'balloons' ('s' on the end of balloon) it ranks 2nd in the location of Birmingham where I'm based. That's 2nd in the real search rather than a map local search. But - if I search 'balloon' from the location of Birmingham my contact page ranks 5th: http://www.balloon.co.uk/contact.htm but the home page ranks nowhere. So - it's gone from ranking 1st nationally to ranking nowhere with my contact page ranking above the home page (which is a generic word domain). Any ideas?
Algorithm Updates | | balloon.co.uk0 -
Are localised results affecting search query volumes?
As the questions says. I've had some conversations with colleagues of mine and they definitely feel that search query volumes are being heavily affected by localised results - and even more so recently. So, for instance, you may have a Google UK rank of 3 for a keyword yet be hardly visible in other parts of the UK because of the localised-based results. Thoughts?
Algorithm Updates | | Webrevolve0 -
Google penalty for one keyword?
Is it possible to get penalized by Google for a specific keyword and essentially disappear from the SERPs for that keyword but keep position for the brand (#1) and some other keywords (#4 and #7)? And how would you find out that this is what happened if there is no GWT message?
Algorithm Updates | | gfiedel0 -
Local Vs National SEO Rankings
Hi Guys, I just had a quick question, is it truly possible to rank number one worldwide/nationally for a keyword phrase these days such as, Computer repair services. I'm not too concerned with the local serps that come up above the fold. I'm just more concerned, if Google is looking to serve more local results into the regular serps listing? I hope that makes sense thanks. Best, Peter
Algorithm Updates | | PeterRota0 -
Optimizing Main URL with Various Relevant Keywords
Hi, I am new to working with SEO on my website and making attempts to create rich content to allow me to rank above and near competitors of our very niche market for LED microlights. I understand the concept now of on-page optimization. I have found key words that are perfect for optimizing specific products. I am working on structuring my website with enriching content that specific key words will direct organic search traffic to products. However, what techniques do I use to drive traffic to my main domain with a keyword that is relevant to my site but no specific products? For example, the phrase "light show gloves" or "light show" is a keyword relevant to my site in general, so I would like my main URL to show in search results when these phrases are searched. What can I do to optimize my site for such phrases? Do I merely use them in related categories and product content? And if yes, how can I ensure I have optimized my domain fully for various relevant keywords and compare to competitors? Thanks!
Algorithm Updates | | Rofldew0 -
Hyphens vs Underscores
I am optimizing a site which uses underscores rather than hyphens as word separators (such_as_this.php vs. such-as-this.php). Most of these pages have been around since 2007, and I am hesitant to just redirect to a new page because I am worried it will cause the rankings to slip. Would you recommend changing the file names to be in hyphenated format and place 301 redirects on the pages with underscores, or stick with the existing pages? Is there anything else that would work better? Thanks!
Algorithm Updates | | BluespaceCreative1 -
Why would my keywords never ranking in Bing but have great position in both Google and Yahoo?
I have several keywords ranking top 5 for Google and Yahoo but nothing from Bing. Any ideas?
Algorithm Updates | | CIEEwebTeam0