A change is coming to Google Analytics. The change involves the URL that shows the referral from Google search. Google provided the following example:
Right now, this would be the referral URL:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=flowers&btnG=Google+Search
In the future, it will look like this:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=7&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.example.com%2Fmypage.htm&ei=0SjdSa-1N5O8M_qW8dQN&rct=j&q=flowers&usg=AFQjCNHJXSUh7Vw7oubPaO3tZOzz-F-u_w&sig2=X8uCFh6IoPtnwmvGMULQfw
Google says that you (meaning the analytics GEEKS among us) should stop depending on "/search?" and start depending on "/url?".
The change will be rolled out gradually, per most Google updates. As usual, only a small percentage will experience the change at first.
Related Reading:
No Need to Freak Out Over Google Analytics Suddenly Disappearing
New Google Analytics Guide Offers Help for Beginners
Google Analytics Launches Skills Qualification Program
Bryan Eisenberg Publishes Comprehensive Google Analytics Guide
