Debunking Popular Alexa Myths

08.13.2007 // Alexa, Insights // Kiven // 1 Comment

Alexa is a curious web traffic tool. A lot of people still regard its rankings as undeniable proof of a site’s popularity even if it isn’t accurate. Alexa only logs visits from users using the Alexa Toolbar, so it is not an accurate representation of actual traffic. Here are some Alexa myths debunked:

Used by everyone from advertisers, trend spotters, webmasters, or even just curious individuals – Alexa is a resource where anyone can look up any website’s traffic patterns and make comparisons. A good Alexa ranking is highly valued by many advertisers, and it is no wonder why many bloggers and webmasters try their very best to improve their Alexa rankings.

Here are 2 very popular ‘methods’ of increasing Alexa rank which I am bringing into question.
These are cited by many sites – even reputable ones as being quick fixes for Alexa:

1. Installing a widget which displays Alexa rank in your sidebar
2. Having a link to Alexa which redirects to your site

Let me emphasize this – They don’t work

Here are 3 pieces of evidence why: 1. Alexa official site only says that data gathered from toolbars and plugins matter 2. Projections will be skewed if the two methods in question are used 3. Alexa’s product manager says they don’t work

source: Debunking Alexa Myths