Have Google changed something in Analytics

[Bush_JSM]

Hi Mozzers,

I have a client that gets loads of traffic and since the 15th February there has been a decrease in New Visitors and an Increse in Returning.

Traffic levels are the same. The returning is up and new are down by a long long shot.

Have Google changed the way these visits are calculated? I can't see anything on the blog - anyone experiencing similar issues

Bush

[Matt-Williamson]

Hi Gareth

I have just checked for the period from 15th up until yesterday and the same number of days prior and my new visitors are several percent up, so I haven't experienced the problem and I haven't heard anything when talking to others and reading the latest news etc.

[Bush_JSM]

Thanks Matt,

Yes I have checked other clients stats and everything is fine.

I can't work it out, thanks for your input though

GB

[Matt-Williamson]

the obvious thing could be that your user engagement has increased at this point and more users are returning to your website, but your traffic and potentially your ranking has dropped in search engines so less new traffic is being sent. Have you looked at the traffic sources for this period and are there any noticeable differences before and after the 15th feb in search engine traffic etc?

[Bush_JSM]

Thanks Matt - I'll check the sources.

Rankings are great and have increased week on week so its not this. Organic traffic is up week on week as well.

The ratio or new vs rtn is the only thing to have changed.

Thanks again

B

[SEODinosaur]

Have you made any improvements to your site recently?

This change is probably because your audience is starting to like your content.

[Digirank]

Hi,

Have you noticed an increase in the number of visits coming from '(not provided)' in the keyword list?

If so, it could be down to the new privacy laws - more people being logged in when they search and therefore being recognised as a return visitor, rather than a new one?

Not sure how much that helps - it's just an idea to throw in the mix!

Karen

[Bush_JSM]

Hi Karen,

Spot on! Thanks for that I've been pulling my hair out on it.

March (not provided) rocketed. There are other things at play but this is definitely part of the issue.

You Rock!

Bush