Reading Google Analytics: What is Referral Traffic?

Hence the “referral” this type of traffic describes visitors that come to your website from direct links on other sites rather than typing your address in directly, or arriving via search engine results. For example, websites that post links directing visitors to your website would be classified as referral traffic. These website links might appear on Facebook, Twitter or a directory site like Yelp. Referral traffic might also arrive at your website via a link from another website like a vendor or affiliate website who’s chosen to feature your website link. Referral traffic also includes pay-per click ads.