Pogo sticking
Definition
Pogo sticking is a term used to describe the behavior of a user who quickly bounces back and forth between different search results in an attempt to find the information they are looking for. Pogo sticking can be a sign that the search results are not relevant or useful to the user, and can lead to a poor user experience.
Why pogo sticking occurs
There are several reasons why pogo sticking may occur:
Irrelevant or low-quality search results
If the search results are not relevant or useful to the user, they may quickly bounce back to the search results page in an attempt to find better results.
Poor website design or user experience
If a website has a poorly designed layout, confusing navigation, or low-quality content, users may quickly leave the site and return to the search results.
Misleading or spammy search results
In some cases, pogo sticking may occur because the search results contain misleading or spammy websites that do not provide the information or services promised.
User error or changing search query
Pogo sticking may also occur if the user makes a mistake while clicking on search results or if their search query changes while they are viewing the results.
Pogo sticking impact on SEO
Pogo sticking can have a negative impact on SEO (search engine optimization) because it can indicate that a website's search ranking is not accurately reflecting the quality or relevance of its content. If users are quickly leaving a website after clicking on it from the search results, it may indicate that the website is not meeting their needs or expectations. This can lead to a lower click-through rate (CTR) and a lower ranking in search results.
Search engines use various signals, such as the CTR and the amount of time that users spend on a website, to determine the quality and relevance of a website's content. If users are quickly leaving a website, it may indicate that the content is not useful or relevant, which can lead to a lower ranking in search results.
How to reduce pogo sticking
To reduce pogo sticking and improve the ranking of your website in search results, it's important to optimize your website's content and design to accurately reflect the search query and meet the needs and expectations of users. This may involve conducting keyword research to identify the most relevant and popular search terms, creating high-quality and informative content, and using a clear and intuitive navigation structure. By doing these things, you can help improve the ranking and user experience of your website in search results.
Related links
User Behavior and SEO: A Ranking Factor or Not?
Main KPIs for Measuring Your SEO Performance. Audience and user behavior