On October 28th, many users of Google Search Console woke up to a frustrating surprise: performance reports displaying nearly zero data for the day. This unexpected glitch caused considerable confusion and panic among SEO professionals and website owners alike, leading to a flurry of discussions across various platforms. If you found yourself in this situation, rest assured, you weren’t alone.
Widespread Issue Acknowledged
Reports from users on platforms like X and various forums indicated that this was not an isolated incident; countless others were experiencing the same issue. While some initially speculated that it was a bug, it soon became clear that Google had made changes to how today’s data is displayed.
By default, Google was showing today’s performance data, which, given the early morning hours, likely resulted in low traffic numbers. Fortunately, Google confirmed this issue as a bug, and their team quickly began working on a solution.
The Impact on SEO Professionals
Throughout the morning, users checking multiple Search Console profiles noticed a consistent pattern of near-zero clicks and impressions. It’s crucial to emphasize that this situation was unrelated to any recent unconfirmed ranking updates from Google. The issue seemed widespread, and many users were understandably anxious about the apparent drop in traffic.
Every single Google Search Console Performance Report I have access to looks like this at the moment. Is there a bug going on? 👀
— Aleyda Solis 🕊️ (@aleyda) October 28, 2024
FYI: @JohnMu @danielwaisberg 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WY2Rt5ea9E
New Search Console bug @rustybrick ? Or is the game finally up for me? pic.twitter.com/1qVfklD9hI
— Daniel Trick (@DanTrickSEO) October 28, 2024
A Possible “Feature”?
In the midst of the panic, Frank Sandtmann, a well-known figure in the SEO community, suggested on Mastodon that this might be a “feature” where Google displays more real-time data. This perspective provided some context for the low-performance numbers, as showing today’s data by default could lead to misconceptions about site performance—especially early in the day.
Google Addresses the Bug
As the day progressed, Google’s John Mueller directly addressed the situation on LinkedIn. He confirmed that the reports showing little to no data were indeed a bug. He stated, “It’s an issue on our side—the team is looking into it. Thanks to everyone for noticing and letting us know; this wasn’t meant to replace your traditional morning wake-up beverage!” His acknowledgment helped alleviate some of the concerns surrounding the situation.
Resolution and Return to Normalcy
Initially reported early in the morning, the story was continuously updated as more information became available. By around 1 PM ET, Google rectified the reporting issue, adjusting the performance reports so they would no longer default to showing today’s data. This meant that the panic experienced by many was ultimately unwarranted, as reports should now accurately reflect website performance.
Google fixed the Search Console performance report to not show data from today – so the charts should no longer give you a heart attack – story updated at https://t.co/g9USEP1ZSg https://t.co/gs7k41kjYK pic.twitter.com/PreIJFsEZv
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) October 28, 2024
Final Thoughts
In summary, if you were among those who felt a wave of anxiety over seemingly nonexistent traffic to your site on October 28th, take a deep breath. What you experienced was a temporary Google-related glitch, not an indication of your site’s performance or a significant decline in traffic.
With the adjustments now made to the performance reports, everything is back to normal. As you continue to navigate the digital landscape, it’s essential to stay informed and connected with the latest updates from Google.
Get in Touch with 42Works!
While this particular incident was quickly resolved, it serves as a reminder of how technical issues can impact digital marketing operations. Having experienced professionals managing your online presence is more crucial than ever.
At 42Works, we specialize in:
- Proactive SEO management
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Technical issue identification and resolution
- Strategic digital growth solutions
If you have a project in mind or need assistance with your digital strategy, 42Works is here to help elevate your brand and ensure your online presence thrives. For inquiries, you can fill out this form, contact us at +91 998844242, or connect with us on social media: Instagram | LinkedIn. Let’s make great things happen together!
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How to Resolve the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” Issue in Google Search Console
Google Ditches Endless Scrolling on SERPs: What It Truly Means?
