Does organic click-through rate (CTR) impact Google rankings?
Analytics
Organic CTR is debated. Google denies using CTR as a direct ranking signal because it can be manipulated. However, many SEOs observe that pages with higher-than-average CTR for a given query often improve visibility over time. Why? Google uses interaction data to validate relevance during ranking experiments.
In 2025, with AI Overviews pushing results further down, CTR optimization is even more important.
Practical ways to boost CTR:
1) Write compelling titles with clear value (e.g., “2025 SEO Checklist: 10 Must-Know Updates”).
2) Use structured data (FAQ, HowTo, Review schema) to increase SERP real estate.
3) Keep meta descriptions user-focused (not keyword stuffing).
4) Monitor GSC Performance Reports to identify queries with impressions but low CTR.
Example:
If your page ranks for “local SEO tools” but CTR is low, test a new title like “Top Local SEO Tools in 2025 (Free & Paid).”
Further Reading:
https://backlinko.com/hub/seo/ctr
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/search-gallery