Google: Log File Analysis Is So Underrated

Apr 12, 2016 - 8:05 am 10 — by
Filed Under Web Analytics

google log file

I remember the days of prepping before client meetings by scouring through tons of log files to tell the client how much traffic they were getting from their web site. This was pre-Urchin analytics days. It was painful but truth was, you found some awesome gems in those log files.

Log files can be very revealing and help with traffic interpretation, crawler analysis, spam detection and much much more.

Recently, Google's John Mueller said on Twitter "Log files are so underrated, so much good information in them."

Indeed.

And guess what, a tool came out from an old SEO tools company, Screaming Frog this morning that does the analysis for you. Truth is, I spotted a lot of conversation around this tool on Twitter this morning. I have not looked at it, nor did the company ask me to look at it. But I do miss the days of log file analysis. Google Analytics makes it too easy. :P

Do you analyze your log files manually?

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Google Search Volatility

More Details

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: September 29, 2026

Sep 29, 2026 - 10:00 am
Misc Google

Google's Nick Fox Feels Sad & Terrible For European Searchers After DMA

Sep 29, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google Maps

Google Local Panel With Two Rows Of Buttons On Mobile

Sep 29, 2026 - 7:41 am
Google

Google AI Overviews Testing Citations Cards At Bottom (Not Right Side) Again

Sep 29, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

Google Maps Bug Places Map Pins In Middle Of Ocean

Sep 29, 2026 - 7:21 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Policies Adds Misuse Of Support Channels

Sep 29, 2026 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Google My Business App For iOS Available For Download