When (and Why) to Use It — and When to Think Twice
The Reset Data feature in the Athena SEO Analytics dashboard is a powerful option that allows users to clear all previously collected data with one click. While it may seem like a small button, it carries big consequences—and benefits. Let’s walk through what it does, when it’s useful, and why you might want to approach it with caution.
What the Reset Data Button Actually Does
When you click Reset Data, it completely and permanently clears all analytics history tracked by Athena SEO. This includes all metrics across page views, unique visitors, bounce rates, traffic sources, device access, and more.
Important: Once you reset your data, it cannot be recovered. There is no archive or undo option, so it’s essential to be absolutely sure before using this feature.
How Time-Based Data Works Before a Reset
Before using the reset, Athena SEO Analytics allows you to review and analyze traffic performance based on these default timeframes:
- Today – Ideal for reviewing real-time changes or quick spikes in traffic.
- Last 30 Days – Useful for monthly reporting and identifying trends.
- Last 60 Days – Helpful for mid-range planning or comparing past performance.
- Last 90 Days – Best for quarterly SEO health checks and tracking growth patterns.
These filters provide a strong snapshot of how your SEO is performing over time. Resetting the data will erase all of this historic performance.
When Resetting Your Data Can Be Helpful
There are legitimate reasons why you might want to reset your analytics:
- Redesign or Rebranding: If you’ve just restructured your entire website or changed your domain, past data might no longer reflect current performance.
- Test Campaign Cleanup: After running short-term experimental campaigns, clearing the data can help you start fresh to monitor only new activity.
- Baseline for Reporting: If you’re beginning a new SEO strategy, resetting the data creates a clean slate, so you can measure growth more clearly from day one.
Why You Might Want to Avoid It
Despite its potential benefits, there are strong arguments for not resetting your data:
- Loss of Insight: You won’t be able to compare how far you’ve come if you erase all previous benchmarks and trends.
- No Historical Reference: If performance suddenly drops or spikes, you’ll have no historical context to troubleshoot or understand what’s changed.
- Reporting Challenges: If you’re tracking monthly or quarterly SEO goals, resetting analytics can create data gaps and hinder accurate performance measurement.
💡 Tips for Strategic Use of Reset
- Download Reports First: Before hitting reset, export any key metrics or charts you might want to reference later.
- Set a Reminder: If you reset to track a new campaign, set calendar alerts to download updated reports at regular intervals before the next reset.
- Only Reset When Necessary: Treat it as a last resort—not a regular housekeeping task.
Final Thoughts
The Reset Data feature in Athena SEO Analytics is like a digital “fresh start” button. While it offers valuable opportunities to track new efforts with clarity, it also wipes away the road map that got you there. Think of it as a tool best used with purpose and planning—not just curiosity.
Knowing when to reset, and when to preserve your data, empowers you to use Athena SEO Analytics to its fullest potential—whether you’re optimizing content, reporting growth, or refining your digital strategy.
