Direct Traffic in Analytics: Why It Does Not Always Mean a Typed Address

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

1. 1

   Step 1: Read the actual classification

   0:18

   Direct / none can indicate that referral information is unclear.

   On-screen labels: Direct source; None medium; Missing source context.

2. 2

   Step 2: Typed addresses can contribute

   0:30

   Someone can enter the address directly into the browser.

   On-screen labels: Typed address; Direct access; Recognised session.

3. 3

   Step 3: Some documents lack context

   0:42

   Links from offline documents may not provide normal referral information.

   On-screen labels: Offline document; Link to the website; Limited source information.

4. 4

   Step 4: Review campaign links

   0:54

   Missing or lost campaign parameters can make attribution harder.

   On-screen labels: Campaign link; UTM parameters; Arriving URL.

5. 5

   Step 5: Check the measurement journey

   1:06

   Redirects and measurement limitations can affect the source information.

   On-screen labels: Redirect path; Retained parameters; Collection context.

6. 6

   Step 6: Avoid overreading the label

   1:18

   The category alone does not show how someone first heard about the business.

   On-screen labels: Report definition; Source investigation; Other business evidence.

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