How do I know if Call Tracking impacts my SEO?

At Convirza, we know how important it is for businesses to track calls while keeping their online presence strong.

A common question we hear is: Do call tracking numbers impact SEO?

The short answer is yes, they can—but only if not used correctly.

Let’s break down how call tracking affects SEO, how to avoid pitfalls, and how Dynamic Number Insertion (DNI) can be a marketer’s best friend.

How Call Tracking Numbers Can Affect SEO

Search engines like Google rely on consistent business information to rank websites, especially for local SEO.

This information:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number (NAP)

Is crawled by search engine bots. Google looks if this information matches across your website, Google My Business (GMB), and online directories such as Yelp.

When you use call tracking numbers, there’s a risk of creating NAP inconsistencies. For example, if your website shows a tracking number but your GMB profile lists your main number, Google might get confused. This can lower your local search rankings, making it harder for customers to find you.

However, the impact isn’t always negative. When implemented properly, call tracking can actually help your SEO strategy by giving you data to optimize your campaigns. Let’s explore how to do it right.

What Is Dynamic Number Insertion (DNI)?

Dynamic Number Insertion (DNI) is a smart solution that lets you track calls without hurting SEO.

Here’s how it works: DNI uses a script on your website to display a unique phone number to visitors based on how they found you—like through a Google ad, organic search, or social media. Meanwhile, the hard-coded number in your website’s HTML stays the same for search engine crawlers, ensuring NAP consistency. This means Google sees one number for SEO purposes, while you get to track calls from different sources.

For a deeper dive into DNI, check out this guide from Search Engine Journal, a trusted resource for SEO tips.

Solutions:

1. Mark the webpage as a Non-crawlable site. This works forweb pages that have tracking numbers you don’t want it to index. One example might be a landing page for a particular funnel
2. Use Dynamic Number insertion to keep the crawlable number on your site the same, while still showing different numbers to each visitor. This has the added benefit of giving you keyword and search insights to your visitors.

Benefits of Call Tracking for Marketers

Using call tracking with DNI offers big advantages for marketers without risking your SEO:

1. Better Campaign Insights: Call tracking shows which keywords, ads, or pages drive the most calls. For example, if your “auto repair” landing page gets more calls than others, you can focus your SEO efforts on similar keywords to boost conversions. Learn more about optimizing campaigns with our Convirza Call Tracking Features.
2. Improved Local SEO: By analyzing call data, you can see which location-specific strategies work best. This helps you target local keywords more effectively, improving your visibility in local searches. Discover how Convirza supports local businesses in our Solutions for Automotive.
3. Higher ROI: Call tracking helps you identify high-converting traffic sources, so you can double down on what works and cut what doesn’t. This means more leads and sales for every marketing dollar spent.

How to Use Call Tracking Without Hurting SEO

To keep your SEO strong while using call tracking, follow these best practices:

• Use DNI: As mentioned, DNI ensures NAP consistency by showing search engines your main number while tracking calls with unique numbers. It’s a win-win for SEO and marketing.
• Avoid Tracking Numbers on Directories: Don’t use tracking numbers on third-party sites like Yelp or GMB where DNI isn’t an option. Stick to your primary number to avoid NAP mismatches.
• Add Your Main Number as a Backup: On platforms like GMB, list your primary number as an additional number alongside any tracking number to help search engines connect the dots.

For more tips on maintaining SEO while tracking calls, check out this article from Moz, a leader in SEO education.