Unwanted referral traffic spoils the Google Analytics report. I heard same issues in SEO industry by collogues and many SEO folks in my network. So, here I am going to share some tips and tricks to avoid unwanted referral spam.
How to Exclude Hits from Known Bots?
To block the bots, GA provides âBot Filteringâ to block such referral visits.
- Go to âADMINâ.
- Click on âView Settingsâ
- Check the âBot Filteringâ box.
This filtering can stop spamming referrals to the some extent but canât all. For this, you may try other options mentioned below.
How to Block a Specific Domain?
- Go to âADMINâ.
- Click on âFiltersâ
- Create a âNew Filterâ.
- Enter details â
- Filter Name
- Filter Type
- Filter Field
- Filter Pattern
Be Careful while performing this section.
How to Add Referral Exclusion?
With this, you may block specific Web Page URL and their respective sub domains.
- Go to âADMINâ.
- Click on âReferral EXCLUSIONâ.
- Add âReferral EXCLUSIONâ.
- Enter exact âURL Detailsâ.
This is the best technique to stop referral traffic occurs from same URL regularly.
Disadvantage â Donât use this technique until extremely required because it may change the session to direct visit.
Get a list of the most common spam referral websites.
.htaccess File to Block Spam Traffic
If nothing works, .htaccess file is the best option to complete it.
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