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Some SEO experts argue that Google can no longer rely on links because they are easily "manipulated." What else do they think should be a useful metric?

Well, since almost all websites use Google Analytics and Search Co ecuador mobile database nsole , Google has a lot of user experience data at its disposal. Some even point out that Google Chrome collects such information as well.

For example, they can see if visitors clicked on your website and then immediately left (using the bounce rate measured by Google Analytics). They can also see who clicked on the page in the first place.

These SEO experts have concluded that such metrics can be a perfect ranking signal for Google, alongside backlinks . Yet, there is no reliable way to find out.

Some then resorted to “correlation studies.” They tried to look at the highest-ranking content, analyze it, and then back-analyze the signals for ranking in the algorithm based on that analysis. Since then, a well-known and somewhat short-sighted correlation has become widespread: content length. Correlation studies have shown that most of the content in the top positions was much longer than its counterparts in lower positions.

Does this mean that by simply writing 3,000 words of poor-quality text, you can outperform 1,000 words of expertly written, highly specific content? Most likely not .

articles are likely to be expertly written and comprehensive. Note that this was before artificial intelligence became a major part of ranking algorithms. Today, search engines can use highly sophisticated “machine learning” and artificial intelligence to determine the quality of a website and don’t have to rely so much on indirect metrics.

So, correlation studies have shown that well-ranked sites also have higher CTRs . Does this mean that Google uses CTR as a ranking signal? Well, it definitely doesn’t. It’s possible, but it’s not proof. As we know from science, correlation is not causation. Just because you sneezed on a sunny day doesn’t mean the sun caused the sneeze. Let’s take a look at some popular correlation studies below.

What do correlation studies say about the impact of CTR?
Some correlation studies that looked at user experience factors like CTR have suggested that there is indeed a significant correlation between website usage or click-through from search results and ranking boosts. For example, the Semrush team in 2017 also looked at a number of search queries, relevant signals (UX), and related rankings. They found a strong correlation between “direct website visits” and top Google rankings. The Semrush study sparked a lot of controversy for its bold claim that “direct traffic is the number one ranking factor today.” However, they did not specifically reference CTR.