How Google Analytics Calculates Average Position

Google Analytics used to calculate average position by taking into account the positions of all your website's pages that appeared in search results. Here's how it worked:

• If a page ranked 3rd for one query and 7th for another, its average position would be 5 (3+7/2).
• This was done across all queries and pages to give an overall average position for your site.

However, with the transition from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, the way average position is tracked has changed. GA4 no longer includes this metric directly.

Instead, you can use the Google organic search traffic report in GA4 to see your pages' average positions for different queries. This report pulls data from Google Search Console and shows you the average ranking of your pages for the search terms people used to find your site.

So while the specific "average position" metric is gone, you can still get insights into where your pages typically rank in search results using GA4's integration with Search Console. This helps you understand what is a good average position in Google Analytics for your website and individual pages.

What Is a Good Average Position in Google Analytics?

The ideal average position in Google Analytics depends on your website's goals and the competitiveness of your industry. Generally, a good average position is one that drives significant traffic and leads to conversions.

Here are some benchmarks to consider:

• Positions 1-3: These are the top spots in search results and tend to get the most clicks. If your pages consistently rank in this range, you're doing well.
• Positions 4-10: These pages appear on the first page of results and still get a decent share of clicks. Aiming for this range is a realistic goal for many websites.
• Positions 11+: Ranking on the second page and beyond usually means significantly less traffic. If many of your pages fall into this range, it's a sign you need to improve your SEO.

For example, let's say you run a website that sells running shoes. If your product pages for popular shoe brands rank in positions 1-3 for relevant searches like "best running shoes" or "Nike running shoes," that's a strong indication your SEO strategy is working well.

On the other hand, if most of your pages are stuck beyond the first page of results, you likely need to optimize your content and website to improve your average position in Google Analytics.

Keep in mind that average position is just one metric to track. It's also important to monitor your click-through rates, bounce rates, and conversions to get a full picture of how your website is performing in search results and what a good average position looks like for your specific site.

In summary, average position in Google Analytics is a key metric that shows where your website's pages typically rank in search results. While the way it's tracked has changed with the shift to GA4, it remains an important indicator of your site's visibility and SEO performance.

Monitoring your average position helps you understand how well your pages rank for important keywords and identifies areas for improvement. By aiming for higher positions, you can drive more traffic, engagement, and conversions for your website.

As you continue to learn about SEO and adapt your strategies, keep an eye on your average position in Google Analytics. Use it as a benchmark to track your progress and guide your optimization efforts.

So dive into your GA4 reports and start analyzing your own average positions. Look for opportunities to improve your rankings and take action to boost your website's performance in search results. With the right insights and strategies, you can rise to the top and achieve your SEO goals.