Anyone notice a change in local search traffic between May 9th to May 12th or it was it just me?

[jasondumana]

My ranking tool didn't show this but GoogleMyBusiness Insights did show traffic has dropped between those dates. Please see screenshot below.

URL: https://www.screencast.com/t/FSD1jvFlHl

Has this been caused by local algorithm update? Please help!

[MrWhippy]

Hi Jason,

We have a similar question here

https://moz.com/community/q/did-any-one-else-notice-rankings-drops-since-14th-21st-feb-this-year

I have posted some questions in two posts, the main ones are copied below:

Some things to check

1. Did you make any significant changes to the site - implementing HTTPS for instance
2. Has someone changed your sitemap, robots.txt or htaccess files
3. Are you having redirect issues?
4. Are you getting more 4xx errors in Google analytics
5. When you look at Google Analytics is there any particular traffic source or keyword that has suddenly dropped or is it roughly the same across the board?

The above are all worth considering.

Looking at the graph you posted your traffic/views looks quite volatile normally. Is the rest of the graph going back over time like this?

Did anything of note happen in your industry on that day or before?

You mention that your tracking software isn't showing the same results what is it showing? Also, what is Google Analytics showing for the same day?

What is your industry? if you can share

Steve

[DonnaDuncan]

There is talk that there might have been a minor update around the 9th. Check out the following two resources:

• https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-algorithm-update-signals-on-may-9th-27549.html
• https://www.mariehaynes.com/algo-changes-and-more/

[jasondumana]

Hi Steve,

Here are the answers on the above questions:

• "Did you make any significant changes to the site - implementing HTTPS for instance"

**         A. No major changes were made.**

• "Has someone changed your sitemap, robots.txt or htaccess files"

A. No, the site map has not been changed.

• "  Are you having redirect issues?"

A. No, we are not aware of any re-direct issues and have not made any any in the past month.

• "Are you getting more 4xx errors in Google analytics"

A. No, there are no 4xx errors.

• "When you look at Google Analytics is there any particular traffic source or keyword that has suddenly dropped or is it roughly the same across the board?"

**    A.  It appears to be erratic based on Google analytics chart, https://www.screencast.com/t/52gAFhhkJ**

• "What is your industry? if you can share"

A. website is for web design/development industry.-Jason

[MrWhippy]

Hi Jason,

From the sounds of it, you have done nothing to cause the change.

As Donna has said there may have been a minor update which has impacted you.

Have a look at the resources Donna has shared and let us know if you think they are not the cause.

Steve

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Jason,

Yes, there is a known bug going on right now with GMB Insights. I recommend this thread for further info: https://www.localsearchforum.com/threads/gmb-insights-reporting-bug.54225/page-2#post-155357