Google Throttles Goto Result Links Per Results Page, SERP Data Providers Say
TLDR
SERP data providers say Google limits goto redirect links per results page, so some rank tracking data may store Google redirect URLs instead of actual page URLs.
Optimixed Overview
Optimixed's original report on this story.
SERP data providers say Google throttles goto links on each results page, which can lead some rank data to store Google redirect links in place of the underlying page URLs, as reported by Search Engine Journal. The article is brief and does not include Google's response or further detail on how widespread the throttling is.
How we got here: earlier coverage
- Oct 23Rank trackers explain how they detect and handle anomalous Google search results
Rank trackers outline their processes for identifying and managing instances of abnormal or suspect Google search results.
- Oct 14Google Accused of Poisoning Search Results for Rank Trackers
Search Engine Journal argues that Google's alleged poisoning of search results undermines the accuracy of rank-tracking tools that SEO professionals rely on.
- Aug 31Google Redirects Hide URLs from Search Results, Complicating Ranking Analysis
Google is obscuring listing URLs via redirects to restrict bot access, making it harder for SEOs to analyze and track search rankings.
- Aug 27Google confirms deploying goto URL redirects to protect search results from abuse
Google is rolling out goto URL redirects on search result links as a technical measure against scraping and abuse, which may impact third-party SEO tracking tools.