If you have come across the term pogo-sticking in SEO, I’m sure you must be worrying about your site’s content quality and SEO.

What is Pogo-Sticking? 

Pogo sticking is an SEO term that indicates user satisfaction through the SERP result. 

Let me explain this with an example.

Suppose you search for “SEO tips and tricks”. And the following SERP results appear.

Now you click the first SERP result to obtain an answer for your query. Say, for instance, you are not convinced that the content doesn’t justify the query, immediately you hit back and move to the next SERP result.

Say the same happens with the second SERP result page, you hit back and check the third SERP results.

In other words, a user is hopping from one SERP result to another to find meaningful content that answers their query precisely.

Pogo Sticking in SEO: Is it good or bad?

The indication that users hopped to another site for finding a better answer to their query hints to a search engine that the content of that relevant SERP result is not worthy of its place.

Then, the search engine pulls the SERP ranking of that page down. 

Now you get it: is pogo-sticking in SEO good or bad. 

Definitely, bad. Pogo-sticking is one of the worst possible cases in SEO. It is a red alert that your content and site need immediate attention. 

Ask a seasoned technical SEO consultant, and you will understand how worse Pogo sticking is when compared to bounce rates. 

Pogo-Sticking Importance

Search engines impart higher value to web pages that meet fixed criteria. Of these, relevance, user intent and quality content are notable.

When a user hops soon to other SERP results, it is an indication that the page does not meet the user’s intent, nor is the content qualified enough to cater to their queries.

Pogo-sticking is hence a matter of importance. SEO experts make sure to check this as a part of their SEO tasks on a routine basis.

Now here’s one common question that arises at this juncture: is pogo sticking a ranking factor?

Absolutely. Pogo sticking is a ranking factor. In fact, pogo sticking is one of the vital ranking factors.

You must have heard of SERP volatility. It is the change in ranking due to the search engine algorithm. On the other hand, if there is an unforeseen change in your webpage ranking, you must inspect for pogo-sticking.

How to Fix Pogo Sticking?

Pogo-sticking is an alert that your content and site need revamp for better. Here are some tips on how to fix pogo sticking.

Focus on content quality:

Inspect if the web page content is adding value to the reader. For instance, if the search query is “how to optimize a site for SEO” and the content pertains to “benefits of optimizing a site for SEO”, the user will immediately walkout. 

Content uniqueness is crucial to rank. However, that must not allow you to deviate much from the user intent. 

As Dave Davies mentions, “Content is what the search engines use to fulfill user intent.”

Hence, inspect if the page is optimized for keywords that match user intent and the content quality aligns with it. It is why most SEO experts believe that quality content matters for SEO.

Provide a smooth reading experience:

Long-form content is good in many ways. They answer the user searches in detail and add value to them. However, to prevent pogo sticking, add the table of contents at the beginning of the post. It helps users navigate the section they intend to and enhances their reading experience. 

Use optimal font size

A web page must be comfortable for the reader. Too small a font can make it hard for the reader to grasp what the page conveys. Use smooth backgrounds, optimal font size and non-flashy graphics to engage the reader on the page.

Optimize the landing pages

Landing pages are the least focused when it comes to content freshness. It is vital to inspect for keywords that drive the traffic to your site and optimize the landing pages accordingly. The landing page content should provide the latest industry insights and statistics. 

Ask your visitor

Visitor feedback is a treasure trove to understand the areas of improvement on your site. Add a feedback form on your pages requesting the users share their opinion about your site. Their feedback can help you narrow down your website and content revamp efforts. 

Leverage internal linking

Internal links are a way to increase the value you provide to the reader. They allow them to read more relevant posts, thus reducing the chances of hopping out of your page too soon. Sprinkle internal links as and where appropriate. It is a beneficial approach to fix pogo-sticking.

Focus on bounce rate

In one way, bounce rate and pogo sticking are directly related. Your efforts to bring down the bounce rate can fix pogo sticking too.

Google Analytics helps you to analyze the bounce rate of your pages. Start with a couple of pages, make the following changes and check for the bounce rate improvement:

Create compelling CTAs that would drive users to take action.

Format the content into sections and sub-sections neatly using headings, tables, and bullets.

Make it easy to comprehend the topic by adding visual elements such as images, videos, and presentations.

Give a little more information through FAQs

FAQs are a proven way to add value to your reader. Take the help of an SEO expert to understand what type of FAQs will make users love your page. Add relevant, crisp and value-adding FAQs at the end of the content to stick the readers to the page.

Conclusion

Pogo Sticking is a worrisome SEO factor. However, expert measures can help avoid it. Consult an SEO expert to find immediate help with pogo sticking.