Google Search Console Data Lost From April 9th to 26th

Each month we work diligently to keep your website up to date with Google’s stringent requirements. We heavily rely on the tools and information Google provides us to accomplish that task. So, when Google loses data, and then potentially punishes you for that lost data, it is undoubtedly frustrating. Here’s the story. From April 4th through April 10th, an internal technical error from Google caused numerous web pages to be removed from Google’s index, resulting in their absence from search results pages; leading to a decrease in traffic, conversions, and sales for many websites across all industries. In the process of fixing this error, Google lost nearly all Search Console data From April 9th through April 25th. Except for the performance report, Google was not receiving information usually provided in Search Console. While addressing the error, Google delayed the release of Search Console reports. When reporting resumed, rather than reporting these 16 days as lost data, Google used data from April 26th to fill in for the lost days. While it is frustrating that much of the data provided from Google in April is not accurate, what is most disconcerting is the way Google addressed the errors reporting. Any on-site error that occurred during the lost data period or on April 26th was extended over the entire 16-day period, regardless of if it was fixed. An error that occurred on the 24th and was addressed on the 26th is considered an error for the entire April 9th-26th period. Unaddressed coverage errors can lead to a drop in Google’s search rankings for a website. In the aftermath, Google excessively punished many sites for problems they had already addressed, and for days when the errors did not even occur. Errors happen; even Google isn’t immune. At Ecreative, we pride ourselves in our ability to find and address errors quickly and effectively. Our careful monitoring of your website and Search Console data allows us to stay up to date with Google’s ever-changing requirements. Although Google’s internal errors are beyond our control, the aftereffects of the incident emphasize the importance of diligent monitoring, maintenance, and improvement of your website. Written by Brandt Tharp, Digital Marketing Support Specialist at Ecreative