ATTRIBUTION MODELING USING WITHHELD OR NEAR IMPRESSIONS

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for attribution modeling using withheld or near impression data are provided. One method involves determining, for a first content item impression, withheld or near impressions for a competing content item within a content auction. The method further involves identifying a first set of paths including a sequence of events that includes an interaction with the first content item impression. The method further involves identifying a second set of paths, each including the sequence of events with the competing content item impression replacing the first content item impression. The method compares conversion metrics for the first and second paths to determine attribution credit for the first content item impression.