In the field of SEO, the concept of "virtual data" is often overlooked but misused, and even used as a success indicator by some practitioners. The so-called 'virtual data' refers to thoseOn the surface, it looks glamorous, but it has no practical value for ranking and conversionData or behavior. They may not be completely useless, but if overly focused, it often leads to SEO strategies deviating from their true goals.

Next, let's do itWhat are the common virtual data in SEO, why are they misleading, and how should they be identified and addressed.

🎭 What is' SEO virtual data '?

Virtual data:
It refers to data that cannot directly reflect the true value, user satisfaction, or search engine recognition of a website. They may look 'tall and beautiful', but behind them may be brushed out, misleading, or have no conversion significance.

🔍 Common types of 'virtual data'

one ️⃣ Website traffic (PV) skyrockets

Misconception:
Many webmasters value website traffic and even create the illusion of a surge in PV through methods such as brushing software, false advertising, and inducing clicks.

Question:

• Massive visits without conversion (consultation, ordering, registration);

• Short average stay time and high bounce rate;

• It will be recognized by search engines as "low-quality access" or "traffic brushing" behavior.

Suggestion:

• Focus more on "precise traffic" and "target user behavior" rather than just looking at traffic volume.

• monitorUser path, conversion funnel, behavior trajectory。

two ️⃣ Number of fake external links

Misconception:
By purchasing, mass posting, and brushing links, thousands of "external links" can be established in a short period of time, which appears to significantly increase the website's authority.

Question:

• The source of the link is low-quality or irrelevant;

• The link has no clicks or recommendation value;

• After being recognized by search engines, the authority may be reduced, even to K sites.

Suggestion:

• emphasizeHigh quality external links(Strong relevance, from authoritative websites);

• Natural acquisition>artificial accumulation;

• Pay attention to external linksClick through rate, referral traffic, user behavior。

three ️⃣ False keyword ranking

Misconception:
Only focus on the "top ranking" and "screen blocking effect" seen in the tool, without considering whether these words truly bring conversion.

Question:

• The keywords for ranking are obscure and have no commercial value;

• A large number of "custom words" and "brand words" rank well but no one searches for them;

• Words with high search volume have extremely poor conversion rates.

Suggestion:

• Focus on havingSearch volume+business intentionKeywords;

• Distinguish the roles of "brand words, navigation words, information words, and transaction words";

• Analyze real user needs using search term reports.

four ️⃣ Brushing clicks and disguising user behavior

Misconception:
Using scripts or "behavioral simulation" systems to manipulate click through rates, fake dwell times, and bounce rates in an attempt to influence search engine rankings.

Question:

• Search engines are becoming increasingly intelligent and capable of identifying abnormal behavior;

• Once identified as cheating, the consequences can be severe;

• Unable to build real user stickiness and trust.

Suggestion:

• Taking real user experience as the optimization direction;

• Pay attention to basic elements such as content quality, internal chain logic, page loading and layout.

five ️⃣ Data illusion caused by KPI misalignment

Misconception:
The team or boss sets incorrect SEO assessment standards, such as only looking at "how many articles have been published" and "how many keywords have increased".

Question:

• The content is published for the sake of publication, without quality and depth;

• Keywords that increase are all invalid words;

• The assessment indicators are disconnected from the actual business value.

Suggestion:

• With "conversion effect" as the ultimate goal, for example:

  • Form submission volume

  • Customer consultation volume

  • Inquiry Quality

• Develop content quality standards (UV drive rate, user stay time, guidance rate, etc.)

✅ How to identify virtual data?

📌 Summary: SEO needs to focus on "real and effective data" to avoid being misled by false prosperity

✅ SEO Core Three Questions:

1. Is this traffic the target customer group?

2. Has this ranking brought about real conversion?

3. Can these optimizations be sustained in the long term and sustainably?

Don't be led by 'virtual data', true SEO must be based on a strategy that combines user value, search engine rules, and business goals.

If you want to analyze whether your website has "virtual data traps", you can provide website links or backend data, and I can help you diagnose and provide strategy recommendations.