Pogo sticking refers to user behaviour where a person clicks a search result, quickly returns to the search results page, and then selects a different listing. This pattern suggests that the initial page did not meet expectations, intent, or usability requirements. It is commonly associated with poor relevance, misleading titles, slow loading, or unsatisfactory content.
Pogo sticking differs from normal bouncing. A bounce can occur after a user finds what they need on a single page, while pogo sticking indicates dissatisfaction followed by continued searching. The repeated back and forth movement between results is the defining characteristic.
While pogo sticking is not a direct ranking factor, it reflects poor alignment between search intent and page experience. Pages that consistently trigger this behaviour tend to underperform over time due to weak engagement and relevance signals.
Advanced
Pogo sticking is interpreted through aggregated user behaviour patterns rather than individual actions. Search systems analyse how often users return to results, how quickly it happens, and whether alternative listings are preferred. This data helps evaluate result quality and intent satisfaction.
Reducing pogo sticking requires aligning titles, descriptions, and content with actual user expectations. Page speed, readability, content depth, and layout clarity all influence whether users stay or return to results. Misleading optimisation is a common root cause.
Relevance
- Indicates intent mismatch or poor relevance.
- Reflects user dissatisfaction signals.
- Highlights weaknesses in content quality.
- Informs optimisation priorities.
- Impacts long term visibility indirectly.
Applications
- Search intent analysis.
- Content quality reviews.
- Title and meta description optimisation.
- Page experience improvements.
- UX and CRO diagnostics.
Metrics
- Short dwell time patterns.
- Return to search result behaviour.
- Engagement and scroll depth.
- Click through versus retention ratios.
- Ranking changes over time.
Issues
- Misleading titles increase pogo sticking.
- Thin content fails to satisfy intent.
- Slow load times frustrate users.
- Poor layout reduces readability.
- Ignoring behaviour signals limits recovery.
Example
A blog ranked well for an informational query but used a promotional headline. Users clicked, returned immediately to search, and chose competing results. After rewriting the headline and expanding the content to answer the query clearly, pogo sticking reduced and rankings stabilised.