77% of sites lost keyword visibility after Google removed num=100: Data

Google’s removal of the num=100 parameter is massively reshaping search engine optimization information: 87.7% of web sites misplaced impressions in Google Search Console, in keeping with a brand new evaluation of 319 properties by search engine optimization Tyler Gargula, director of technical search engine optimization at LOCOMOTIVE Company.

By the numbers.

• Impressions: 87.7% of web sites declined.
• Question depend: 77.6% of web sites misplaced distinctive rating phrases.
• Key phrase size: Brief-tail and mid-tail key phrases took the largest hit.
• Rank positions: Fewer queries now present on web page 3+, whereas extra floor within the prime 3 and on web page 1 – suggesting rankings now replicate precise positions, with out distortion from num=100.

Why we care. The removing of &num=100 is reshaping how efficiency is measured, with fewer impressions and key phrases making experiences look weaker even when rankings maintain regular. Nevertheless, it’s doable a few of the Google Search Console information wasn’t actual, as a result of scrapers utilizing the 100 web page parameter characteristic had been inflicting an inflow of impressions, so now the information is extra correct.

Zoom out. Many web sites have seen a decline in desktop impressions, leading to a pointy enhance in common place since late final week.

• Platforms, together with Semrush and Accuranker, have acknowledged disruptions and are engaged on fixes.
• SEOs, together with Brodie Clark, have flagged sharp impression drops and inflated common positions. Clark advised scrapers tied to num=100 could have distorted Google Search Console metrics for years.

What’s subsequent? Google hasn’t mentioned whether or not the change is everlasting or unintended. However Gargula’s dataset suggests the fallout is widespread – and extra vital than some anticipated.

The put up. Tyler Gargula shared the data on LinkedIn.