User behavior models where click probability depends on time/order of results viewed. Important in search engine ranking refinement.
Do you ever feel like Google is watching every single click you make and judging your site based on it? I know that feeling of being under the microscope, but the truth is, Google is paying very close attention. I want to tell you about the complex models search engines use to understand human behavior.
I am going to explain exactly What is Temporal Click Models (TCM)? and how it highlights the importance of user experience on your site. While this is a complex, behind-the-scenes concept, I will share simple, actionable tips you can use to optimize your site for the user signals these models value.
What is Temporal Click Models (TCM)?
Temporal Click Models (TCM) are advanced algorithms search engines use to understand how users interact with search results over a period of time. Instead of just looking at which result got a click, a TCM looks at the sequence of actions, time spent on the page, and the overall search session. It is a way for Google to measure true user satisfaction, not just a momentary click.
I view TCM as a complex tool that measures the quality of my search snippet and the relevance of my content. These models consider things like the time I spend examining a result before clicking, and the time I spend on the landing page after the click. If a user quickly clicks my link and then immediately returns to the search results (a “pogo-stick”), that sends a negative signal to the model.
The Impact of TCM Across CMS Platforms
Because TCM is focused on user behavior, my primary goal is to optimize the on-page experience and speed, regardless of the CMS platform I use.
WordPress
With WordPress, I focus on optimizing my site’s speed because a slow site leads to a high bounce rate, which a TCM notices. I use caching plugins and ensure my themes and media files are optimized to decrease loading time. I also make sure my internal links guide the user smoothly to more relevant content, increasing their session length.
Shopify
For my Shopify stores, I know the time a customer spends on a product page is crucial, so the TCM is always watching. I ensure my product images load instantly and that the checkout process is fast and seamless. Clear, detailed product descriptions also help the customer feel satisfied immediately after the click.
Wix
Since Wix is an all-in-one platform, I ensure I use clean, responsive templates that look good and load fast on mobile devices. I pay extra attention to making sure the main content is visible right away without any annoying pop-ups that might make a user bounce. This immediate satisfaction signals relevance to a TCM.
Webflow
Webflow’s clean code naturally aids in performing well against TCM signals, as it allows for lightning-fast loading speeds. I use Webflow to create clear, highly visual content that is easy to scan, keeping the user engaged. I focus on clear calls-to-action that match the search intent in my Title Tag.
Custom CMS
When using a custom CMS, I prioritize the technical build for maximum speed and a perfect mobile layout, which are key TCM components. I also implement advanced user tracking to monitor “dwell time” on my most important pages. This allows me to see exactly where I might be losing user interest.
TCM Application in Different Industries
I focus on meeting the specific time-based needs of users in each industry to send positive signals to the Temporal Click Models.
Ecommerce
For e-commerce, TCM shows that users are quickly assessing if the product is right for them. I focus on putting high-quality photos, clear pricing, and shipping information immediately visible above the fold. Longer dwell time on my product page suggests the customer is highly interested.
Local Businesses
Local searches are often urgent, so TCM values pages that provide an immediate solution. I ensure my phone number, address, and an emergency contact form are instantly visible and functional on mobile. A user should find their answer and call me without returning to the search results.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
In the SaaS space, TCM heavily weighs the time a user spends reading in-depth documentation or feature comparisons. I make sure my articles are highly navigable with a table of contents and clear headings. The longer a user is engaged in learning about my solution, the better the signal I send.
Blogs
For blogs, my goal is to maximize the “dwell time” on the article itself. I write engaging introductions that promise the answer right away, and I break up long text with relevant images and subheadings. If a user stays to read the whole post, the TCM knows my content was a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “dwell time” and why does TCM care about it?
Dwell time is the amount of time a user spends on my page before going back to the search results. TCM cares because a longer dwell time is a strong signal that my page satisfied the user’s need.
What is “pogo-sticking” and how do I avoid it?
Pogo-sticking is when a user clicks my result and then quickly returns to the search page to click another result. I avoid this by making sure my page’s content perfectly matches the promise of the Title Tag.
How can I track my TCM-related signals?
While you cannot see the TCM algorithm itself, I track related metrics like Click-Through Rate (CTR) and bounce rate using Google Search Console and Analytics. Improving those metrics will improve my TCM signals.
Does a TCM focus on all search results?
Research on Temporal Click Models has primarily focused on ads or organic listings where users are actively searching and making choices. The principle is simple: search engines use time and sequence to better understand relevance.
