Pageviews coming from Google dropped dramatically, but visits haven't

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Pageviews coming from Google dropped dramatically, but visits haven't

Need help figuring out why my pageviews dropped 64% from last month

lina

3:44 pm on Mar 6, 2014 (gmt 0)

I opened my site in October 2012, and since then pageviews have increased every month until last month. What's strange is my visits haven't gone down much, but pageviews are down dramatically

In February, visits were down 9% from January and pageviews were down 64%. Using Analytics, I found out that most of the "missing" pageviews were from organic Google search (down 62% from last month).

I'm new to this and not an Analytics expert. Is there any way I can figure out why my pageviews have dropped so dramatically? I would appreciate any advice on how I can analyze my data further. :D

lina

6:58 am on Mar 7, 2014 (gmt 0)

So on the date that pageviews dropped (and bounce rate went through the roof) we changed the GA code, replacing this line:

ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';

with this one:

ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://' : 'http://') + 'stats.g.doubleclick.net/dc.js';

per the instructions from Google to be able to do demographics reporting.

Can I assume that the stats were incorrect to begin with and now are correct, thus showing such a huge drop in pageviews?

GoNC

3:54 am on Mar 8, 2014 (gmt 0)

It wouldn't be a bad idea to install a server-side stats program, so you can compare data; Urchin, webalizer, or something like that, depending on what your host offers.

Analytics will always be lower, but if you see the same trend with your server-side program then you'll know that the problem is true.

If your unique visitors are the same, but pageviews dropped, then look to the website for the problem. It's more likely that you have something going on that's turning away users. An error in the navigation, a slow page, etc.

I don't know if the mods here allow you to post a link to the site, but if so then I would be happy to look and see if I have any problems with it. If the mods don't let you post it, send it to me by private message.