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Google Comments on Idea It Uses Google Analytics for Ranking Purposes

Google's John Mueller clarified several points about the hypothesis that Google uses Google Analytics data for ranking purposes.

Image of three young women looking at a laptop and Google's logo behind them.

Someone recently tweeted their opinion that Google Analytics data can influence search rankings. Google’s John Mueller clarified several points.

Long History of Google Analytics Data Used by Google

The idea that Google has used Google Analytics data for its own purposes is based on official statements by Google. These statements were unambiguous about Google using data from GA, but in anonymized or aggregated form.

Along the way there have been numerous allegations (but never any proof) that Google Analytics data was used for ranking purposes, such as for penalties.

Google’s Terms of Service

Google Analytics terms of service states that Google “may” use the data collected via Google Analytics:

“Google and its wholly owned subsidiaries may retain and use, subject to the terms of its privacy policy… information collected in Your use of the Service.”

Google Statements on Anonymized Use of GA

And in 2008, Google announced an experimental product called, Google Trends for Websites that received part of it’s data from opt-in Google Analytics accounts.

Below is a screenshot from an archive of Google’s support page that describes Google Analytics as a source of data.

Screenshot of Google Help Page

Screenshot of Google Trends for Website Support PageScreenshot of an archive of Google’s support page for Google Trends for Websites

I recall there was a well known official policy regarding Google Analytics that Google used GA data in “aggregate form” but I could only find references to that statement, not the statement itself.

Why Google Purchased an Analytics Company

The reason for purchasing Urchin, which later became Google Analytics, was that it complemented Google’s PPC business. Google could create a better experience for marketers when the advertising and tracking worked closely together.

Now marketers could better calculate ROI, which helped them on the PPC side.

Google’s Vice President of Product Management said at the time:

“This technology will be a valuable addition to Google’s suite of advertising and publishing products,” Jonathan Rosenberg, Google’s vice president for product management, said in a statement announcing the deal.

Does Google Use GA for Ranking Purposes?

It’s easy to see how the idea that Google uses Analytics to influence search rankings came to be. There is a long history to this idea going as far back as 2008.

Twelve years later, the idea that Google uses GA for ranking purposes resurfaced on Twitter.

This is what was tweeted:

“I think the core argument was people used to think google search console data and google analytics were separate entities and google didn’t rank based on analytics data.

Now they are combined (even on the api side). Analytics data can help with search rankings.”

Here is the tweet:

John Mueller Squashes Google Analytics Myth

Google’s Webmaster Help Analyst, John Mueller stepped in and unambiguously stated that Google does not use Google Analytics data for ranking purposes:

“We don’t use Google Analytics in Search…”

John Mueller also said that Google Analytics and Google Search Console tracked data differently:

“Google Analytics & Search Console track data quite differently. SC tracks what’s shown in Search, GA tracks what happens when a user goes to a site. There’s overlap, but it’s not exact.”

Google Does Not Use Analytics Data for Ranking Purposes

Does Google Use Google Analytics for Ranking?

Google could not be more clear: Google does not use analytics data for ranking purposes. There is no evidence to support the idea that Google uses analytics for penalizing sites or ranking sites better.

Despite clarifications and industry agreement, rumors may persist.

But it’s important to understand that there has never been any evidence to support the idea that Google uses analytics for ranking purposes.

Back in 2012, one of the top search marketing experts Ted Ulle posted this in a WebmasterWorld discussion:

“You’re assuming Google actually uses Analytics data to rank websites? I realize some people are assuming that, but I’ve seen absolutely NO hard evidence that it’s true. The idea is pure tinfoil…”

Respected search experts have consistently agreed for years that Google does not use Google Analytics for ranking purposes.

Google’s John Mueller has clearly stated that Google Analytics is not used for ranking purposes.

It is clear that Google does not use GA data for ranking purposes.

Citations

Google Analytics Terms of Service

AdAge Quote of Google Vice President of Product Management
Google Acquires Web Analytics Company Urchin Software

Ted Ulle on WebmasterWorld
Should I use Analytics so Google Can See my Happy Users?

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SEJ STAFF Roger Montti Owner - Martinibuster.com at Martinibuster.com

I have 25 years hands-on experience in SEO and have kept on  top of the evolution of search every step ...

Google Comments on Idea It Uses Google Analytics for Ranking Purposes

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