If you’re working on improving your website’s visibility, you’ve likely come across Google Analytics, but how does it help with search engine optimization? In today’s digital marketing landscape, Google Analytics for SEO is one of the most valuable tools used to monitor performance, understand user behaviour, and make informed decisions.
Whether you’re a business owner or a student considering SEO training in Vancouver, understanding the link between web analytics and SEO will give you an edge in optimizing content and driving results.
Here’s a complete guide to getting started.
Can Google Analytics Be Used for SEO?
Yes, Google Analytics helps track organic traffic, user behavior, and page performance, allowing you to measure and improve your SEO strategies over time. Here are several important insights in more detail:
- Tracks where your organic traffic is coming from
- Shows which pages are performing best in search
- Reveals how long users stay on your site (session duration and engagement rate: GA4 calculates bounce rate differently, as the inverse of engagement)
- Monitors conversion rates for organic search visitors
- Identifies the devices and locations of your SEO audience
In short, Google Analytics gives you the data you need to evaluate your current SEO efforts and plan better strategies for the future.
How Do I Check My SEO on Google?
To check your SEO performance using Google Analytics, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to Reports > Acquisition > Traffic acquisition
- Filter by the Session default channel group to view “Organic Search.”
2. Go to Reports > Engagement > Landing page
- Review which landing pages attract organic sessions.
3. Check Engagement metrics:
- Review Engaged sessions, Average engagement time, and Engagement rate. Note: In GA4, bounce rate is calculated as the inverse of engagement rate and is not the same as in Universal Analytics.
4. Set up Conversions under Admin > Events and track them via Reports > Engagement > Conversions.
Pro tip: Combine Analytics with Google Search Console for even more insights, such as average position, impressions, and CTRs from search results.
How to Find SEO Keywords in Google Analytics
One of the most common questions marketers ask is: How do I find SEO keywords in Google Analytics? While GA4 itself does not provide detailed keyword data due to privacy restrictions, integrating it with Google Search Console allows you to access keyword-level insights like impressions, clicks, and average position. Additionally, landing page performance and behavioral metrics can help infer keyword relevance indirectly.
Web Analytics and SEO: Why the Combo Works
The real power lies in combining web analytics and SEO insights to take informed action. For example:
- High bounce rate on an SEO landing page? Optimize the content or layout.
- Short session durations? Improve internal linking or readability.
- No conversions from organic traffic? Adjust your CTA placement or content alignment.
By regularly reviewing your analytics data, you stay responsive to what your audience needs, helping you improve rankings and drive qualified traffic.
Master Google Analytics for SEO at Cumberland College
If you’re ready to master Google Analytics for SEO and put data to work, SEO training in Vancouver at Cumberland College is the perfect place to start. Our hands-on program introduces students to:
- Local SEO for small businesses to large corporations: fundamentals and on-page optimization
- Keyword research tools and strategies
- Analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Search Console
- Real-world applications of SEO for business, local SEO, and content marketing
You’ll graduate with the confidence to track, analyze, and improve search performance using the latest tools in the industry.
Are you looking for comprehensive SEO training in Vancouver?
Contact Cumberland College for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can Google Analytics be used for SEO?
Answer: Yes, Google Analytics helps track organic traffic, user behavior, and page performance, allowing you to measure and improve your SEO strategies over time.
Question: How do I check my SEO on Google?
Answer: To check your SEO performance using Google Analytics, follow these steps: Navigate to Reports > Acquisition > Traffic acquisition. Filter by the Session default channel group to view “Organic Search.”
Question: How do I find SEO keywords in Google Analytics?
Answer: While the platform limits direct keyword data due to privacy concerns, you still have a few helpful options: Google search integration, landing page performance reviews, and tracking key behaviour.
