Does bounce rate affect SEO rankings?
Analytics
Bounce rate itself is not a direct Google ranking factor. Google has stated for years that they don’t use GA metrics like bounce rate in ranking algorithms. However, user engagement signals such as pogo-sticking (users quickly returning to the SERP to click another result) can indirectly influence rankings because it reflects dissatisfaction with the page.
In 2025, with AI Overviews and zero-click searches, Google evaluates whether content meets intent immediately.
Instead of chasing a low bounce rate, focus on:
1) Improving page speed (fast pages reduce early exits).
2) Matching search intent—e.g., if users want a quick answer, place it above the fold.
3) Adding internal links or recommended next steps to guide users deeper into your site.
For example,
An SEO blog explaining “What is schema?” should link to “Schema Implementation Guide.” In short, bounce rate isn’t a ranking factor, but a high bounce rate may indicate poor user experience that affects SEO performance.
Further Reading:
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/creating-helpful-content https://learningseo.io