Definition:
Referral in Google Analytics refers to referral traffic. Referral traffic is used to describe visitors to your site who come from direct links on other websites rather than directly or from searches. For example, this happens when a site is mentioned on other sites, such as a recommendation. Referral traffic can also be created by leaving links on other blogs or forums.
Referral traffic is the method Google employs to report visits that came to a site from sources outside of its search engine. When someone clicks on a hyperlink to go to a new page on a different website, Analytics tracks the click as a referral visit to the second site. The source site is called a “referrer” because it refers to traffic from one place to another.
Frequently asked questions about Referral
What is Referral?
Definition: Referral in Google Analytics refers to referral traffic. Referral traffic is used to describe visitors to your site who come from direct links on other websites rather than directly or from searches. In the Arimetrics glossary it is placed in a digital marketing context to clarify its role, uses and practical implications.
What is Referral used for in digital marketing?
It is used to better analyse an action, tool, channel or behaviour related to acquisition, measurement, communication, sales or user experience. Its value depends on applying it to a concrete decision.
How is Referral related to a digital strategy?
It is related to digital strategy when it affects objectives, data, content, technology, campaigns or conversion processes. That is why it should be reviewed together with the business context, not as an isolated term.
What should be considered when working with Referral?
It is advisable to review its definition, context, associated metrics, limitations and possible risks. It is also useful to validate whether the concept has a real impact on performance, user experience or decision-making.