SEO Stats in Google Analytics

[Duncan_W]

I have a question about the Webmaster tools SEO Stats in Goole analytics.

One of the Stats in the Queries report is Impressions, but how does this relate to the number of actual searches for that query?

Let me expand. For example you have a query (Query A) that lists 200 impressions and an average position of 55 (on Page five of the results). Does this mean that 200 people have browsed to page 5 of the listing for "Query A" and actually seen your listing?

If this is the case then logic has it that the number of actual searches for "Query A" must be significantly higher than 200. Is that logic correct or am I missing something?

All help much appreciated!

 

[SEO Lady]

Does this mean that 200 people have browsed to page 5 of the listing for "Query A" and actually seen your listing?

I think this is the correct way of explaining it, an impression is when a viewer actually views a screen where your website is showing in results, whether they click or not is a different matter of course. Ergo, the viewer must be on Google page 5 to see your website in results and therefore register an impression.

 

[WebMeUp]

According to Google Support,

"Impressions: The number of times pages from your site appeared in search results, and the percentage increase/decrease in the daily average impressions compared to the previous period. The number of days per period defaults to 30, but you can change it at any time. (These numbers can be rounded, and may not be exact.)"

I believe this explanation doesn't answer your question in full. However, I think that impressions should really refer to the number of people who saw your site on the fifth page of search results (in case it is listed on the fifth page).

 

[Duncan_W]

Thanks for the feedback. I will work on the basis that my theory is correct until I learn otherwise then!

 

[OldWelshGuy]

I have a question about the Webmaster tools SEO Stats in Goole analytics.

One of the Stats in the Queries report is Impressions, but how does this relate to the number of actual searches for that query?

Let me expand. For example you have a query (Query A) that lists 200 impressions and an average position of 55 (on Page five of the results). Does this mean that 200 people have browsed to page 5 of the listing for "Query A" and actually seen your listing?

If this is the case then logic has it that the number of actual searches for "Query A" must be significantly higher than 200. Is that logic correct or am I missing something?

All help much appreciated!

Apples and oranges for a moment Duncan. The detail shown is by default all things to all men. Have you used the filters to bring down the atats to UK (or any other geo filter) and webserch only?

your theory is correct, but one of your images could appear on page 2 in the US, and count as an impression unless filteed.

 

[Duncan_W]

Thanks OWG. It's always more complicated than it should be!!

I know this is a bit off the topic of the thread, but I stared the thread, so I don't feel too bad about it.

Just read your post link-building-penguin-too-much-too-fast-too-often.

You obviously know more about Googles Algorithms than is healthy!!

That said your post does raise a couple of Good Points:

1. Marketing is all about the "Marketing Mix". SEO is a good tool as part of that mix, but should not be considered in isolation
2. In marketing, its very dangerous to make assumptions A->B->C. As usually this is only because of the influence of D&E which you have completley ignored!

 

[OldWelshGuy]

The main problem is with the definition age old question of 'what is SEO'. I don't consider myself an SEO, as I am a marketer. For some strange reason businesses try to pigeon hole efforts, online & offline for example in different holes, then SEO & social in different online pgeon holes.

Good online marketing mirrors good offline marketing and in fact they are one and the same If i am being blunt. When you consider offline marketing you should think 'how can i integrate my online stuff with this. I have seen adverts with no web address for instance, when i KNOW they have one.

Behaviour like this is unforgiveable, and one of the reasons is not having a joined together thinking approach to all MARKETING, of which, traditional SEO is just opne piece of the puzzle.

 

[Duncan_W]

Maybe the fact that your Avatar is wearing a shirt with a Google SEO badge, is one reason you get Pigeon holed.

I think we are of one mind though! "so thats all good then!"

 

[Shredded Neat]

Your description is right, and you should notice the higher up the pages your site gets the better your impressions will be
Not that many people seem to look past page 2 really so get to page 1 or 2 and you will notice a big change.
I've only just started using Google analytics, but find it really helps me with my business.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

Maybe the fact that your Avatar is wearing a shirt with a Google SEO badge, is one reason you get Pigeon holed .

I think we are of one mind though! "so thats all good then!"

Good point But it is cause and effect. I am wearing that because if i had 'internet marketer' on there people wouldn't have a clue what i did.

It is still in its infancy and in 10 years time hopefully it will have settled.

 

[fisicx]

...because if i had 'internet marketer' on there people wouldn't have a clue what i did.

I would.

But there again I also know what Floccinaucinihilipilification means.