Bounce Rate A Ranking Factor?
Is there a relationship between bounce rate and search rankings? Let’s take a look at the evidence and see whether it’s a ranking factor that moves the needle.
Google search representatives have consistently and clearly stated that they do not use Google Analytics data to rank websites.
But, there are discrepancies between what Google says and what SEOs believe.
Despite Google’s public statements, some search marketers continue to believe that bounce rate is in some way a ranking factor.
Why do they believe this? Is there any validity to the claims against Google’s public statements?
Does Google use bounce rate to rank webpages?
Bounce Rate As A Ranking Factor
As recent as Q3 2021, recognized and respected resources have perpetuated the myth that bounce rate is a ranking factor.
Rand Fishkin, Founder of MOZ, tweeted in May 2020 that “…Google uses (relative) bounce rate (or something that’s pretty darn close) to rank websites.”