Pogo-sticking is a term used in SEO to describe a situation where a user clicks on a search result, quickly realizes it doesn’t meet their needs, and then returns to the search engine results page (SERP) to click on another result. This back-and-forth behavior is a sign that the original result did not satisfy the user’s search intent.
How Pogo-Sticking Works
Imagine you search for “best paleo diet tips” on Google. You click on the first result, but after briefly skimming the page, you realize it doesn’t offer the information you’re looking for. So, you hit the back button and click on another result. If many users do this with a particular page, search engines like Google may interpret it as a signal that the page isn’t relevant or useful for the query.
Why Pogo-Sticking is Important
Pogo-sticking is a negative user experience signal. When many users return to the search results after visiting a page, it tells search engines that the page didn’t meet their expectations. As a result, the page’s ranking in search results might drop. Google and other search engines prioritize showing users the most helpful and relevant content, and pogo-sticking is a sign that a page may not be fulfilling that role.
How to Prevent Pogo-Sticking
- Create Useful Content: Ensure your page directly answers the search query so users find what they need without leaving.
- Improve User Experience: Use clear, readable fonts, fast loading times, and easy navigation to keep users engaged.
- Include Internal Links: By offering additional information through internal links, you give users reasons to stay on your site and explore more pages.