Big discrepancy between search volume and actual traffic
-
I've been seeing this more and more... a page that ranks well for a great keyword but the traffic is much, much less than one would expect based on information from the Google Keyword Tool. The keyword gets 3600 searches locally, but the site, #9 on the SERP, got 11 visits last month.
Does that sound like a plausible drop-off or is there something else at play?
Thanks!
-
Thanks for the information. How do you filter by exact match?
-
I would also add that the Google Keyword Tool can be way off the mark at times, giving you much higher numbers that the exact word gets, so giving good keyword terms low figures. That has been my experience when doing research with for keywords in niche (google.ie), but I have heard other say the same.
Still its good way to get a few ideas for keywords and there numbers.
Also I agree exact is way more usefully (broad can be useful at times)
-
Yeah, when you're targeting a phrase, you'll want to look only at exact-match estimates for that phrase. Broad-match is misleading when you're looking to get traffic by ranking for an exact phrase. Broad-match is more useful if you are going to be bidding for broad PPC on Adwords.
-
I'm guessing broad match... I'm familiar with the concept but is there a way to restrict it to one or the other?
Broad would make sense, it's possible that the rank is different for different combinations.
-
Is that volume exact, phrase or broad match?
If it's exact match, then I'd say, loosely based on these SERP CTR's, you're less than (but close to) normal
Position #9 = 1.25%
3600 x .0125 = 54.72I've noticed impression data from Adwords campaigns (that run ALL the time) are closer to about 1/2 that of the exact match predictions in the Adwords Keyword Tool.
Does this help?
-
Hi Josh, are you looking at exact-match number of searches in Google's Keyword Tool, or broad-match?
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
-
How do I do keyword research when search volume is unknown
Hi Mozzers! I do a lot of work in niche areas, and one issue I often confront in keyword research is unknown search volume. That is, I'll be doing keyword research in Keyword Explorer or Gooogle Search Console, and for the most relevant keywords, I find either very low search volumes, null search volumes, or "Data not available." How do I make good keyword planning decisions when I can't find good data for search volume? Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Andy
Keyword Research | | AndyKubrin0 -
On Google Analytics under search queries, the most popular query is "(not set)", how do I find out what this is?
I am trying to discover what users are searching for and what keywords drive traffic to our site.
Keyword Research | | Sable_Group0 -
Why doesn't Google show my site in the results when searching for my exact URL ?
I haven't done too much work with optimizing the site yet, but I was curious as to why the site doesn't even show up in any of the google results when searching on the exact URL. What could cause this behavior?
Keyword Research | | fryguy1 -
How to estimate search volume for multiple long tail queries?
I am comparing Moz, WordTracker and Google keyword research tools and trying to figure out how I can compare the aggregated search volume for a page which targets several similar long-tail queries. For instance, according to one tool, the query 'printable guitar sheet music' has 125 monthly searches, but many small variations of this also have a similar amount. Do I just make a reasonable list and calculate them? Or do I just use "125" as an abstract number of measurement with no concrete reference to a **real **number of searchers, but useful in comparing one keyword to the next, and assume that all key words have a similar degree of consorting variations? I seem to remember Google used to give away some pretty damned useful information in the keyword search tool, including monthly search volume. But now it looks like the metric is not actual search volume, but a 1-100 score based on the search volume. So my questions are: Should I try to convert these numbers into real search figure estimates or just use them for comparing one to the next? Should I worry about trying to combine the aggregated variations of long tail keyword searches, or should I just choose one good keyword and let that represent all possible variations?
Keyword Research | | guitarsites0 -
Broad Match Search Volume
Hi All, In Google keyword planner, "broad match" option has been removed. I want to know that is there any other method in Google keyword planner or any other tool or any technique through which we can find out the "Broad Match" search volume??
Keyword Research | | RuchiPardal1 -
Why do small changes in keyword phrasing have such big SERP impacts?
I am trying to better understand why some of my pages rank well and some don't rank at all. I've discovered that slight changes to how the key phrase is typed into Google can have dramatic effects on the results. Why is this? And how should I interpret it or use it? I understand that some phrases will be more competitive than others, but that doesn't seem to explain the variances entirely. For example, http://traveltipsthailand.com/phuket/best-bachelor-hotels-in-phuket/ (which is SEO optimised for the long-tail phrase "bachelor hotels in Phuket" and "girl-friendly bachelor hotels in Phuket") ranks #1 or #2 for the key phrase "bachelor hotels phuket", but if I modify the phrase slightly to "bachelor hotels IN phuket" it drops to #12 (page 2) with less relevant competitors (like "Bachelor hotels in Chiang Mai") getting in ahead of it. Likewise, if I search on "best bachelor hotels phuket" (the URL phrase of the page) it is #1 or #2 again, but if I modify the search phrase to "best bachelor hotels IN phuket", my SERP drops to #13. If I use the longer-tail key phrase "girl-friendly bachelor hotels in phuket" the results are even more dramatic. I rank #5 for that phrase in the SERPs with or without "IN" in the search phrase. But if I remove "bachelor" from the key phrase and just search on "girl-friendly hotels in phuket" my page drops right off the SERP radar. Somewhere above #200 I think. Would love to get a better understanding of what influences these changes if anyone really knows. Is it just Goovoodoogle or is there a logical explanation? 51c0d097f1c8d9-81984651 51c0d11688af68-43859477
Keyword Research | | Gavin.Atkinson0 -
Organic search by Simply Hired in Google Analytics
Hello there, In Google Analytics I found that there are many visits from Simplyhired - SimplyHired / organic . I don't know is there a way to see where exactly they come from Simplyhired, by what kind of a search. When I click on the link "SimplyHired / organic" in Sources> All traffic it doesn't show any details about keywords or urls in that website http://www.simplyhired.com/
Keyword Research | | HrishikeshKarov0 -
When are we goning to get a way to estimate traffic
It's been months and you guys still say you're working with the Google API. Not buying it anymore. I notice you don't have any trouble charging my card $99/month while I wait. I am new to SEOMoz, so if I am being a jerk and you have some other good method to determine the organic volume of a key phrase,, please let me know!
Keyword Research | | tdawgtoo0