Some time this week, a visitor asks via our live chat software why is Google Analytics showing “google.com.sg / referral” instead of “google / organic”. I explained that Google Analytics, by default, treats visits coming from any referring sites with domain name containing “google” and query string containing “q” will get attributed as an organic search visit coming via Google. Thereafter, he/she asked for examples where it will be referral rather than organic but before I got to answer, he/she left the chat. So here is how you can find them if you are reading.

In Google Analytics, go to “Traffic Sources” > “All Traffic Sources” and if you filter by “google”, you may notice a variety of referrals from Google.

Google Analytics showing all traffic sources filtered by "google"

Now, to know how “google.com” is sending you referrals, go to “Traffic Sources” > “Referring Sites” and filter by “google”. You will see a list of Google domain names similar to the previous screen.

Google Analytics showing referring sites filtered by "google"

Finally, just click on “google.com” and you should be able to see the referral paths.

Google Analytics showing referral paths from "google.com"

So, yes. Google can send you non-organic traffic from its other web properties like the Google Reader or Google Bookmarks.