Google Adjusts Search Data in SEO Reports

Google will modify the way it computes top search queries in the SEO reports of Google Webmaster Tools (now also available in Google Analytics).

Google now shows first positions 

The change concerns the feature named “Top Queries” accessible via “Search Queries” in the section “Your site on the Web”.

Users will see rankings in search results data differently.

Previously, Google displayed the average position of all links to your website. Now, you will see the average of all the first positions.

How Google calculate the average position?

Let’s take our website as an example (them.pro). If you search for [seo services beijing] on Google, there are great chances that you see URLS from our site in positions 1 and 2, especially if you’re in China. 

Let’s say another user search for [seo services beijing], and our URLs appear in positions 3 and 4. 

With the old method of calculation, we would have had an average position of (1+2+3+4)/4=2.5 (let’s round up to 3). Now, with the new report, we average the highest position for each search result and therefore get an average position of (1+3)/2=2. 

How will this affect my SEO report?

Well, as you may have guessed, when the new method of calculation is used in your Google Webmaster Tools, you will see lower average positions on your SEO report. 

Of course, if you only have one URL return for the query, you shouldn’t see any difference (this may be the case for numerous search queries).

What about my previous data?

This change won’t affect your historical data. The new calculation method will only affect your search queries going forward.

How will this affect my website rankings?

No worries, this new method of calculation won't affect your website rankings. It will only affect the way data is computed in your SEO reports.