What is Pogo-Sticking?
Have you ever clicked on a search result only to hit the back button, looking for something else? If so, you’ve experienced what’s known as pogo sticking. Put simply, pogo sticking happens when users click on a search result, don’t find what they’re looking for, and then bounce back to the search engine results page (SERP) to try another link.
Despite documentation from Google stating otherwise, many SEO’s believe that this phenomenon, along with other signals, can have an impact search engines.
What Causes Pogo-Sticking?
The main cause of pogo sticking is that a user finds a webpage or its content unsatisfactory – ultimately driving traffic away from your website.
So, How Do You Avoid It?
Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to avoid it,
Match Intent To Content
Make sure your content aligns with what users are searching for. Conduct keyword research to understand user intent and tailor your content accordingly. Intent can be categorised into:
- Informational: Users are looking for answers to specific questions or trying to solve a problem
- Navigational: Users are looking for a specific website or resource
- Transactional: Users are looking to make a purchase or book a service
- Investigation: Users are comparing different products or learning more about them.
Ensure Your Website Is Appealing
When visitors land on your website, the first impression matters and a visually appealing and organised layout can draw users in and keep them engaged!
Keep you website clean and clutter free, keep your colour palette consistent and opt for easy-to-read fonts. Don’t forget to incorporate high-quality images, videos, and infographics.
Improve User Experience
Prioritising user experience (UX) is crucial for keeping visitors on your site! Focus on website speed by optimising images and minimising code to reduce load times. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate, using clear menu options and internal links to guide users. Breaking up text with headings and bullet points also improves readability and navigation.
Avoid Clickbait Titles
Catchy titles can draw clicks but may disappoint users if the content or intent doesn’t match. Your titles should accurately reflect your content, offering value and clarity. Instead of vague phrases, opt for specific titles that include keywords (But, don’t overuse them as this can come across as spammy and lead to lower trust from your audience!)
