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    1. Home
    2. Research & Trends
    3. Search Behavior
    4. Strange Traffic Movements

    Moz Q&A is closed.

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    Strange Traffic Movements

    Search Behavior
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    • mhenshall
      mhenshall Subscriber last edited by

      Hi there,

      I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this...

      I'm working with a client whose website is experiencing some odd organic traffic patterns.

      See screenshot attached.

      As you can see, there was a sudden cliff fall about a month ago, and then it recovered (almost) entirely.

      Then, a month to the day later, the same thing happened again.

      What is the likelihood that this is a data glitch vs an algorithm thing?

      Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated.

      Thanks,
      Marc
      Screenshot 2023-08-18 at 09.37.26.png image url)

      Rehman.Khan 0 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • Suvidit-Academy
        Suvidit-Academy @chuangmaeo last edited by

        @chuangmaeo Sorry for replying so late. you can contact me by visiting www.suvidit.com and please do add this communication reference.

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • skchad13j
          skchad13j last edited by

          @mhenshall said in Strange Traffic Movements:

          Hi there,
          I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this...
          I'm working with a client whose website is experiencing some odd organic traffic patterns.
          See screenshot attached.
          As you can see, there was a sudden cliff fall about a month ago, and then it recovered (almost) entirely.
          Then, a month to the day later, the same thing happened again.
          What is the likelihood that this is a data glitch vs an algorithm thing?
          Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated.
          Thanks,
          Marc

          The sudden fluctuations in organic traffic on your client's website could be due to various factors, and without more data and analysis, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. It could be a combination of both data glitches and algorithmic changes. Further investigation, including reviewing content, backlinks, and any recent algorithm updates, may help provide more clarity. (best digital marketing agency) ( SEO Expert) (SEO Services)

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • talentwide
            talentwide last edited by

            Strange traffic movements can encompass a wide range of unusual and unexpected actions on the road. These can include erratic lane changes, sudden stops without apparent cause, excessively slow driving in fast lanes, and aggressive maneuvers. Such behavior can be dangerous and may indicate impaired driving, distraction, or road rage. It's essential for all road users to stay alert, practice defensive driving, and report any suspicious or dangerous traffic movements to the appropriate authorities to maintain road safety.(Canada PR)(aviation jobs in Canada) (study abroad) PMP Exam Prep ( best digital marketing agency

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • LifeTravello05
              LifeTravello05 last edited by

              Cultural experiences in the Maldives tour package also extend to the preservation of the natural environment. Many resorts and local communities actively participate in marine conservation and environmental protection efforts. Visitors can engage in eco-friendly activities such as coral planting and beach clean-ups, fostering a sense of responsibility for the Maldives' fragile ecosystems.

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • educationedge012
                educationedge012 last edited by

                Strange traffic movements on a website can be a cause for concern, as they may indicate potential security issues, bot activity, or other abnormal behavior. It's important for website administrators to closely monitor their site's traffic patterns and investigate any unusual movements.

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • talentwide
                  talentwide last edited by

                  Strange traffic movements on a website can be a cause for concern, as they may indicate potential security issues, bot activity, or other abnormal behavior. It's important for website administrators to closely monitor their site's traffic patterns and investigate any unusual movements.
                  (best digital marketing agency)
                  Common examples of strange traffic movements might include sudden spikes in traffic from unusual geographic locations, a high number of clicks on specific links or buttons, or repetitive actions by users that seem automated.

                  Addressing these strange movements promptly is essential to protect the integrity of the website, user data, and overall user experience. Implementing security measures like firewalls, anti-bot solutions, and regular security audits can help mitigate the risks associated with unusual traffic behavior.
                  SEO Expert
                  Additionally, analyzing website analytics and user behavior can provide insights into the root causes of strange traffic movements, allowing website owners to take appropriate action, such as blocking suspicious IP addresses or implementing CAPTCHAs to deter automated bot traffic. Overall, vigilance and a proactive approach to website security are crucial in dealing with strange traffic movements.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • Rehman.Khan 0
                    Rehman.Khan 0 @Rehman.Khan 0 last edited by

                    @Rehman-Khan-0
                    I also faced the same issue on my client's website https://alhaqglass.com/
                    This website was performing well but suddenly its traffic dropped. I investigated some lacks and I improved them one after the other. And Boom! The site started getting the same traffic as before.

                    I would recommend you to find drawbacks in your client's site and fix them. It will help a lot.

                    Regards!

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • Moodesburn1991
                      Moodesburn1991 last edited by

                      @mhenshall said in Strange Traffic Movements:

                      Hi there,
                      I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this...
                      I'm working with a client whose website is experiencing some odd organic traffic patterns.
                      See screenshot attached.
                      As you can see, there was a sudden cliff fall about a month ago, and then it recovered (almost) entirely.
                      Then, a month to the day later, the same thing happened again.
                      What is the likelihood that this is a data glitch vs an algorithm thing?
                      Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated.
                      Thanks,
                      Marc

                      Hey Marc,

                      I understand your concern about the unusual organic traffic patterns your client's website is experiencing. It's difficult to determine the exact cause without more information, but I can offer some insights that might help you investigate further.

                      Firstly, it's essential to consider potential data glitches or tracking issues. Sometimes, sudden drops or spikes in traffic can occur due to inaccuracies in the data collection process. Double-checking your tracking tools and analytics settings can help ensure the accuracy of the data you're analyzing.

                      On the other hand, algorithm updates from search engines can also significantly impact organic traffic. It's not uncommon for search algorithms to be regularly tweaked or updated. These changes can cause fluctuations in a website's visibility and organic rankings, which might explain the patterns you observed. Stay updated with the latest industry news and search engine announcements to see if any major algorithm updates occurred around the time of the traffic changes.

                      Remember to consider other factors that could influence organic traffic. For instance, external events, seasonal fluctuations, changes in user behavior, or even technical issues with the website itself might contribute to the observed patterns.

                      To gain a better understanding of what caused the fluctuations, it's advisable to analyze additional data points such as referral sources, landing pages, and user engagement metrics. Looking for patterns in these areas might provide additional insights into the situation.

                      Lastly, reaching out to your client directly might be helpful as well. Inquire if they made any changes to their website, marketing efforts, or if they noticed any other unusual events during the periods of fluctuation. Their input can provide valuable context to support your investigative efforts.

                      I hope these suggestions help you in your analysis! Feel free to provide more details if you'd like further assistance.

                      i have been studying traffic in 2 different sectors i found this article very helpful

                      https://givevaluefirst.com/affiliate-marketing-v-mlm/

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • Rehman.Khan 0
                        Rehman.Khan 0 last edited by

                        Hi Marc,

                        The fluctuations in organic traffic you're observing on your client's website can indeed be perplexing, and it's important to investigate the possible causes. I've seen your attached screenshot, I can provide some insights into potential reasons for such patterns.

                        1. Algorithm Updates: Google frequently updates its search algorithms, and these updates can have a significant impact on organic traffic. It's possible that your client's website was affected by an algorithm update that led to the initial drop in traffic. Subsequent recoveries may be due to adjustments made to the site's content or SEO strategy to align better with the new algorithm's requirements.

                        2. Seasonal Trends: Some industries and websites experience seasonal fluctuations in traffic. For example, e-commerce sites often see increased traffic during the holiday season. If your client's website is in an industry with seasonal trends, this could explain the recurring patterns you're observing.

                        3. Technical Issues: It's crucial to rule out any technical issues with the website, such as server downtime, broken links, or changes in the site's structure that might have occurred coincidentally. These technical issues can cause temporary drops in traffic.

                        4. Competitive Factors: Changes in the competitive landscape can also impact organic traffic. If competitors have made significant SEO improvements or launched marketing campaigns, it could affect your client's rankings and traffic.

                        5. Data Anomalies: While less common, data glitches or reporting errors can occur in analytics tools. It's essential to ensure that the data you're analysing is accurate. Verify if other analytics platforms or sources show similar trends.

                        To determine the cause of these traffic fluctuations, I recommend conducting a thorough SEO audit, including:

                        • Reviewing the website's technical health.
                        • Analyzing changes in content and backlinks.
                        • Monitoring Google Search Console for any messages or warnings.
                        • Checking for any recent algorithm updates from Google.

                        Additionally, consider tracking specific keyword rankings and engagement metrics to identify which pages or keywords may be affected the most.

                        In many cases, traffic fluctuations are part of the dynamic nature of SEO, and recovery can be achieved through strategic adjustments to your SEO approach. If the issue persists, it might be beneficial to consult with an experienced SEO professional who can provide tailored guidance based on a deeper analysis of your client's website and industry.

                        Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant and adaptable to changes is essential for long-term success.

                        Best regards,
                        Rehman K.

                        Rehman.Khan 0 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • Rehman.Khan 0
                          Rehman.Khan 0 @mhenshall last edited by

                          Hi Marc,

                          The fluctuations in organic traffic you're observing on your client's website can indeed be perplexing, and it's important to investigate the possible causes. I've seen your attached screenshot, I can provide some insights into potential reasons for such patterns.

                          1. Algorithm Updates: Google frequently updates its search algorithms, and these updates can have a significant impact on organic traffic. It's possible that your client's website was affected by an algorithm update that led to the initial drop in traffic. Subsequent recoveries may be due to adjustments made to the site's content or SEO strategy to align better with the new algorithm's requirements.

                          2. Seasonal Trends: Some industries and websites experience seasonal fluctuations in traffic. For example, e-commerce sites often see increased traffic during the holiday season. If your client's website is in an industry with seasonal trends, this could explain the recurring patterns you're observing.

                          3. Technical Issues: It's crucial to rule out any technical issues with the website, such as server downtime, broken links, or changes in the site's structure that might have occurred coincidentally. These technical issues can cause temporary drops in traffic.

                          4. Competitive Factors: Changes in the competitive landscape can also impact organic traffic. If competitors have made significant SEO improvements or launched marketing campaigns, it could affect your client's rankings and traffic.

                          5. Data Anomalies: While less common, data glitches or reporting errors can occur in analytics tools. It's essential to ensure that the data you're analysing is accurate. Verify if other analytics platforms or sources show similar trends.

                          To determine the cause of these traffic fluctuations, I recommend conducting a thorough SEO audit, including:

                          • Reviewing the website's technical health.
                          • Analyzing changes in content and backlinks.
                          • Monitoring Google Search Console for any messages or warnings.
                          • Checking for any recent algorithm updates from Google.

                          Additionally, consider tracking specific keyword rankings and engagement metrics to identify which pages or keywords may be affected the most.

                          In many cases, traffic fluctuations are part of the dynamic nature of SEO, and recovery can be achieved through strategic adjustments to your SEO approach. If the issue persists, it might be beneficial to consult with an experienced SEO professional who can provide tailored guidance based on a deeper analysis of your client's website and industry.

                          Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant and adaptable to changes is essential for long-term success.

                          Best regards,
                          Rehman K.

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • chuangmaeo
                            chuangmaeo @Suvidit-Academy last edited by

                            @Suvidit-Academy Can you check Google Analytics and Google Search Console regarding this oddity? there will answer everything. Learn more Ole777 Asia

                            Suvidit-Academy 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • Suvidit-Academy
                              Suvidit-Academy last edited by

                              The likelihood that the cliff falls in organic traffic are data glitches is low. It is more likely that they are caused by algorithm changes by Google.

                              Google makes changes to its algorithm all the time, and these changes can sometimes cause sudden fluctuations in organic traffic. The fact that the cliff falls happened on the same day of the month suggests that it is related to an algorithm change.

                              Here are some other possible reasons for the cliff falls in organic traffic:

                              • A new competitor entered the market and started ranking higher for your target keywords.
                              • One of your pages was penalized by Google for violating its quality guidelines.
                              • There was a technical issue with your website that caused it to lose ranking.

                              To determine the exact cause of the cliff falls, you can use a tool like Google Search Console to analyze your website's organic traffic data. You can also use a tool like SEMrush to track your website's ranking for your target keywords.

                              Once you have identified the cause of the cliff falls, you can take steps to address it.

                              • If the cause is an algorithm change, you may need to adjust your SEO strategy.
                              • If the cause is a new competitor, you may need to improve your content or your website's user experience.
                              • If the cause is a technical issue, you will need to fix the issue.

                              I hope it helps, for more help please feel free to interact.

                              Warm Regards
                              Rahul Gupta
                              Suvidit Academy

                              chuangmaeo 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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