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A WebmasterWorld thread has discussion around what possible user metrics could Google be using for search ranking purposes?
Of course, Google says they do not use Google Analytics or Google Chrome data. So are they using Google+ and Google +1 data for rankings? Google's Matt Cutts said they don't really use much social data and has downplayed Google+ in the rankings to almost not being used at all in rankings.
What about bounce rates from the web page and back to the search results page? Google may be using that but in 2008 said that signal was spammable and noisy.
Could they be using data from their display ad network? I guess, but seems against Google's core principles to do that.
Google they be using ISP data? I guess so, but if so, why not just use Chrome data, which they said they do not use.
Most people think Google uses click through rate, CTR, for rankings. They store it and show it in Webmaster Tools, like they do with +1s (for now) and so maybe they use it. Of course, that is just as easy to spam as bounce rates.
What user metrics do you think they use?
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
Comments:
Anti-SEO
10/12/2012 01:55 pm
All the guys from WMW can't realize, that they are not working on their own web property, but on the Google's property. They provide free tests for Google and free content for WMW accordingly. They hate Google, but work on it for free ) Such a paradox. What is the point to know user metrics Google uses for ranking ? Lets say, we know it uses return %. Does it mean we have to stop working on anything else, but on return ? Obviously not. Furthermore, it's just impossible, since every metric is complicated and unbreakable connected with others. WMW community is trying to live pre-Panda life - lets find magic bullet and be happy until the next update. But there are no magic bullets anymore. All user metrics you can imagine are equally important.
Joel Mackey
10/12/2012 01:59 pm
The link to WebmasterWorld isn't working Barry.
Barry Schwartz
10/12/2012 02:15 pm
Opps, fixing.
John Brown
10/12/2012 05:17 pm
Matt Cutts is well known liar. You really thinking what google not using chrome datas? But why it not open source in this case??? Also latest emd updates is not about emd really, it start of ANTI onpage seo war.
John Brown
10/12/2012 05:20 pm
why peoples visit google? to search our websites but not to click adwords ads. Its all. Google depends on webmasters, but start thinking what can live without them. It their own way to hell.
Jenny
10/12/2012 05:45 pm
How can they use search metrics from Webmastertools in the future when they are sending a lot of irrelevant traffic or no traffic to website pages due to the engine been so badly engineered at this point ? Seriously though, google bashing aside its another unfair step in the war against internet entrepreneurs . Only companies with deep pockets can succeed in the state things are in now. The chances for small businesses and webmasters(Non Spammers) to succeed in this new reality is getting smaller and smaller. Only brand names will survive and the consumer will be left with even less choice as is now especially in my niche. I am a relative newbie and probably picked the worst 2 years to get into this market. The more I read in forums and places like this site I see the end of the small website owners chance of success in the future. Sad state of affairs and all i can hope for is "what goes around comes around" and a new search leader will emerge or Google will become an honest search engine again with no ulterior motives.
John Brown
10/12/2012 06:07 pm
I agree with you, them unable to determine correct keywords but starting war with onpage seo and launching new pets to get rid of nice and quality sites (not spam!). I think we need to do something, I really not see any future for small business on the web, only for local business.
Anti-SEO
10/12/2012 06:38 pm
Jenny, can you code ? What programming languages do you know ? How about mathematics, logic ... can you create algorithms ? Web design ? Are you familiar with it ? Knowledge in PR, promotion ? How many hours per day do you work on your web property ?
BobSays
10/12/2012 06:38 pm
Using CTR would be stupid, if you fell at all by branding or natural reasons and they dropped you a slot, your CTR would inherently suffer because of the drop; causing a slow painful death to page 10!
BobSays
10/12/2012 06:39 pm
natural=bad meta writing, etc
Jenny
10/12/2012 06:46 pm
I wish we could do something. The EU is at least trying something with anti-trust laws see here http://searchengineland.com/report-google-seeks-to-avoid-eus-antitrust-wrath-by-labeling-its-own-services-135940 but we stand no chance against the giant. Even a financial penalty does not scare them because they can afford it probably by slapping some other penalty to increase revenues. Anyway I am beginning to believe its too little too late. What really scary is the sheer amount of personal information they hold on almost every internet user in the world from almost all angles. On a complete side-note I know off the topic but for the last 24 hours the googlebot has visited 4 different sites of mine only once or twice which is a very extraordinary event. Something is cooking right now I can feel it . Maybe they trying to fix the mess they created. Wish I could say I dont care but I still do and hope for some recovery and the day Google can really determine the difference between spam and quality without taking down White Hat SEO's In the mean time can only wait and watch my luck in the Google Analytics Online Casino. Problem is the casino always wins.
Anti-SEO
10/12/2012 06:46 pm
Really ? And what you gonna do ??
John Brown
10/12/2012 06:51 pm
i have my way.
John Brown
10/12/2012 06:52 pm
how many hours per day you spending on writing such posts?
Jenny
10/12/2012 06:54 pm
First of all I have no intention to get into a debate with a Google Brown nose character like yourself and prove my womanhood to you. Regarding my web property I have spent at least 8 hours a day(this is my second business) of my day and weekends for close on 2 years. There are 2 people doing this non-stop. I do not purchase any links and focus purely on content and variety. Anyways enough venting wasted on a clearly disgruntled Google engineer alias Mr Anti-SEO
Robert Bridge
10/12/2012 07:03 pm
Hi Barry I think they all contribute if you use regularly and label correctly. Also this is just a theory they send you data if its important what you are doing. For example descriptions and segmentation descriptions come via e-mail. They may even call you and find out what you are offering and to probe your goals in-order to help. You cannot hold a good thing down.
Anti-SEO
10/12/2012 07:07 pm
So, IT is your second business, but you have the nerve to make conclusions about the work done by IT leaders ... Well, no more questions )
Anti-SEO
10/12/2012 07:08 pm
So, go with it ... why talk ??
Jenny
10/12/2012 07:14 pm
My first business is an IT business too Einstein ! Dont jump to your mathematician conclusions before you know the full picture. You are starting to sound more and more like an algo I know. Well no more answers wasted on you.
Anti-SEO
10/12/2012 07:31 pm
Quotes from Jenny : " I am a relative newbie " " this is my second business " Jenny, obviously you need to study more instead of blaming Google. Our you can talk to guys like John Brown and follow their way ... no doubt you can afford this level already )
Jenny
10/12/2012 07:53 pm
Arent you the genius with irrelevant conclusive proofs again. I would explain the full picture but i wont waste my keystrokes on whatever and whoever you are.....
Blah
10/12/2012 08:23 pm
Did you just make a 4chan reference? You are the worst kind of person.
BobSays
10/12/2012 08:37 pm
what are you talking about?
Gowebbaby
10/13/2012 06:13 am
I think they are using bounce rate.
John Britsios
10/13/2012 04:59 pm
I started a thread on or forums about this topic a while ago. You probably would like to have a look there too: http://community.seoworkers.com/threads/250-Search-Engine-Click-Through-amp-Bounce-Rates-as-Ranking-Metrics