This page explains the meaning of the Referer Type column in b2evolution hit logs.

As part of the built in hit-logging, b2evolution will classify and log the HTTP Referer as one of the following:

• Direct: if no referer was passed. It then looks like a direct hit to b2evolution.
• Self: if the referer domain is the same site (see $self_referer_list in _stats.php to extend this)
• Referer: if the referer domain is another site and not a search engine.
• Search: if the referer is a search engine domain and we found a search param in the referer. (Without a search param, we’ll fall back to the "Special" type.)
• Special: if the referer domain was in $SpecialList in _stats.php or if it’s a search engine domain but we did not receive a search param.
• Spam
• Admin

Caveat

HTTP Referer headers are not transmitted when following a link from an https: page to an http: page.

Since sites like google.com are running on https:, it is sometimes impossible to see search referals coming from them.

See also

• Referring Domains Tab