Pogo-sticking happens when users quickly bounce between search results, signaling poor content match. Reduce it by matching search intent precisely, improving page speed, and delivering value immediately.
Ever had a visitor land on your website and then jump right back to Google? That is a problem, and it has a funny name: pogo-sticking. It is a big deal for your SEO, and I have spent 15 years helping websites fix this issue. I am going to explain what is pogo-sticking? and give you my best tips for how to stop it. Get ready to learn how to keep people on your site and make Google happy. Let’s dive in!
What is Pogo-Sticking?
So, what is pogo-sticking? It is when a user clicks on a search result, lands on a website, and then quickly “bounces” back to the search results page. The name comes from how the user jumps back and forth like they are on a pogo stick. When this happens, it tells Google that your website did not give the user what they were looking for.
For me, pogo-sticking is a clear sign that something is wrong with the page. Maybe the content is not helpful, the page loads too slowly, or the design is confusing. Google pays attention to this behavior and can lower your ranking if it happens too much. I see it as a direct signal of low quality.
Why Pogo-Sticking Happens
Pogo-sticking happens for a few key reasons. The most common one is that the content does not match what the user expected. Maybe the title promised one thing, but the article was about something else. Another big reason is a slow-loading page, which makes people impatient and they just leave.
A bad user experience is also a major cause. If a website is hard to read on a phone, has too many ads, or is confusing to navigate, people will quickly go back to Google. My job is to find the exact reason and fix it, so the user has no reason to leave.
How to Stop Pogo-Sticking
My strategy to stop pogo-sticking is simple: improve the user experience and make the content amazing. I start by making sure the page loads as fast as possible. I also make the content easy to read with short paragraphs and clear headings. Finally, I check that my page truly answers the question the user was searching for.
I also add things that keep people engaged, like helpful images, videos, or internal links to other good content on my site. The goal is to make the visitor’s journey so good that they do not want to go anywhere else. If they find what they need and more, they will not go back to Google.
Pogo-Sticking on Different CMS Platforms
My CMS choice does not cause pogo-sticking, but it can give me the tools to fix it. I use each platform’s features to improve the user experience.
WordPress
On WordPress, I use plugins to solve pogo-sticking. I install a caching plugin like WP Rocket to improve page speed. For content, I use the classic editor or a block editor to make my articles easy to read. I also add internal links to related posts to encourage people to stay on my site longer.
Shopify
On Shopify, pogo-sticking often happens on product pages. I fix it by making sure my product images are high-quality but also optimized for speed. I write detailed, helpful product descriptions that answer all the customer’s questions. I also use related product features to keep shoppers on my site and looking at other items.
Wix
Wix makes it easy to build a clean, fast website, which helps with pogo-sticking. I use Wix’s built-in image optimizer and make sure my pages are simple and clutter-free. I also use the blog feature to write helpful articles that answer customer questions. This keeps visitors engaged and makes the site a valuable resource.
Webflow
Webflow is great for fighting pogo-sticking because I have full control over the design and speed. I can build a site that is incredibly fast and easy to navigate. I also use Webflow’s CMS to create a blog with helpful articles that are linked to my products. I design a perfect user journey so the visitor has no reason to leave.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, I work with a developer to build a site that is fast and user-friendly from the ground up. I can create a custom content structure that makes it easy for users to find what they need. I also add features like “related articles” that are programmed to keep people on the site and engaged with my content. It is a tailor-made solution to the problem.
Pogo-Sticking in Various Industries
Pogo-sticking affects every industry, but the fix is different for each. I focus on the unique needs of the audience.
Ecommerce
For an ecommerce site, pogo-sticking happens when a product page does not meet the customer’s needs. I fix this by adding detailed product information, high-quality photos, and customer reviews. The goal is to answer every question a customer might have right on the page, so they do not need to go back to Google to find more information.
Local Businesses
For a local business, pogo-sticking often happens because the user cannot find key information like a phone number or address. I make this information very easy to see. I also add a Google Map and photos of the business to build trust. I want the user to land on my page and immediately know that they have found the right place.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
For a SaaS company, pogo-sticking can happen if the user lands on a page with too much jargon. I fix this by writing simple, clear content that explains my product’s benefits right away. I also add a video or a clear call-to-action to get the user engaged immediately. The goal is to show them that my product is the solution they need.
Blogs
On a blog, pogo-sticking happens when the article is not helpful or is too hard to read. I fix this by making sure my articles are well-researched, easy to skim, and answer the reader’s questions. I also add a lot of internal links to other helpful articles. This shows the reader that my blog is a great resource and gives them a reason to stay.
FAQ
What is pogo-sticking?
Pogo-sticking is a term for when a user clicks on a search result and then quickly returns to the search page. It signals to Google that the website did not provide a good answer for the user’s query.
Why is pogo-sticking bad for my SEO?
Pogo-sticking is a negative ranking signal for Google. When it happens, Google may think your page is not a good result for the user’s search. If enough users pogo-stick from your site, Google might lower your page’s ranking.
How can I tell if pogo-sticking is happening on my site?
You can see it in your Google Analytics data. A high “bounce rate” and a very short “session duration” often point to pogo-sticking. A high bounce rate means people are leaving after only visiting one page. If that page visit is very short, it could be a sign of the problem.
What is the best way to fix pogo-sticking?
The best way to fix pogo-sticking is to improve the user experience. This includes making your page load faster, making your content easy to read, and ensuring your page’s title and content perfectly match the user’s search query. Adding engaging content like videos and images can also help keep people on your site longer.
