Google: Log File Analysis Is So Underrated

Apr 12, 2016 - 8:05 am 10 by
Filed Under Web Analytics

google log file

I remember the days of prepping before client meetings by scouring through tons of log files to tell the client how much traffic they were getting from their web site. This was pre-Urchin analytics days. It was painful but truth was, you found some awesome gems in those log files.

Log files can be very revealing and help with traffic interpretation, crawler analysis, spam detection and much much more.

Recently, Google's John Mueller said on Twitter "Log files are so underrated, so much good information in them."

Indeed.

And guess what, a tool came out from an old SEO tools company, Screaming Frog this morning that does the analysis for you. Truth is, I spotted a lot of conversation around this tool on Twitter this morning. I have not looked at it, nor did the company ask me to look at it. But I do miss the days of log file analysis. Google Analytics makes it too easy. :P

Do you analyze your log files manually?

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 28, 2025

Mar 28, 2025 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Core Update Done, Will Site Recover, AI Mode Expands, Google Ads PMax Search Terms & More

Mar 28, 2025 - 8:01 am
Google Maps

Google Local Knowledge Panel With Promotion Clipable Coupons

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Maps

Google AI Overviews Itinerary, Lens Tour Guide, Maps Screenshot & Track Prices

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Tests Contactless Label In Place Of Curbside Pickup

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Ads

Google Ads WhatsApp Conversation Goals Get Diagnostics & More

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:21 am
Previous Story: Google My Business App For iOS Available For Download