FAQ Updated
Data Questions
Answers about how often data updates, history, (not set), GA4 versus Search Console, visibility scores, ranking schedules and exports.
1 min read Updated
This page answers questions about your data: where it comes from, when it updates and why some numbers differ. For the full details, see Data sync schedule and Tracking frequency and schedule.
Why Prism's numbers can differ from Google's tools
Three things cause most differences:
- Dates. Prism's ranges end three days before today. Use exactly the same dates when you compare with Google's own tools.
- (not set). Lists in Search Console leave out hidden queries. Prism adds a (not set) row so totals match. See (not set) explained.
- Separate tracking. GA4 and Search Console count visits in different ways. See Reading charts.
Learn more about the scores
The Composite Visibility score and its sub-scores are explained in Unified Dashboard. If a number still looks wrong, see Data issues.
Frequently asked questions
How often does Prism update my Google data?
Prism syncs Search Console and Google Analytics 4 once every day. Data runs through two days ago, and report ranges end three days before today.
How much history does Prism load?
When you first connect Search Console or GA4, Prism loads up to 180 days of history. After that it adds new days every day.
Do I lose history if I disconnect and reconnect?
Not if you reconnect the same site or property. A different site or property starts a fresh load of up to 180 days.
How often are rankings and AI answers checked?
Each tracking project has its own Sync Frequency: Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Once. Weekly runs on Monday and Monthly on the 1st by default, at set times in India time.
Can I change the day rankings are checked?
Yes. An admin can tick Advanced schedule on a Weekly or Monthly project. Pick a day and time for Weekly, or a day from 1 to 28 for Monthly.
Why does a project set to Once have no trend?
Once runs a single check right after the project is created. With one date only, there are no trends or vs prev values.
What is Composite Visibility?
A score from 0 to 100 on the Unified Dashboard. It is the average of each channel's latest visibility, counting only channels with data in your range.
How is visibility worked out for each channel?
For rankings, it is the share of tracked keywords in the top 10. For AI, it is the share of AI answers that name your brand. One answer is one prompt on one platform.
What does (not set) mean?
It is the part of a total that Search Console does not break down, such as queries hidden for privacy. Prism adds it so your tables add up to the Search Console total.
Why don't GA4 sessions match Search Console clicks?
They come from separate tracking systems with different attribution, bot filtering and consent handling. They never match exactly. In Advanced Analytics, sessions are Google organic only.
How does Prism know which keywords are branded?
You save a branded keyword pattern in Category Builder on the Branded Keywords tab. Until you do, Prism cannot split branded and non-branded searches.
What happens to keywords I remove?
They are never deleted. They become inactive, so Prism stops checking them but keeps their past rankings.
Can I export my data?
Yes. Advanced Analytics tables export to Excel, CSV or PDF. The Unified Dashboard has Export PDF. Rank tracking and AI screens have their own Export buttons.
Why are changes in CTR shown as pp?
Changes in rates such as CTR and engagement rate are shown in percentage points (pp), the simple difference between two percentages.
Related articles
- IntegrationsData Sync ScheduleWhen Prism syncs Search Console and GA4, how far back the first load goes, why the newest days lag, and how rank and LLM data refresh.Read
- Dashboards(not set) ExplainedLearn what the (not set) row means, how Prism calculates it, and why it keeps your totals equal to Search Console.Read
- Rank TrackingTracking Frequency and ScheduleChoose how often Prism checks your rankings and AI prompts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Once, and move weekly or monthly checks with Advanced schedule.Read
- Exports & DataExporting TablesSave Advanced Analytics tables as Excel, CSV or PDF files, download the Unified Dashboard as a PDF, and learn what each file contains.Read
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