User Signals

User Signals are behavioral patterns that search engines track to understand how users interact with websites. These signals include clicks, scrolling, and engagement actions rather than passive metrics like time spent on a page. Search engines use these patterns to evaluate content quality and user satisfaction.

Unlike simple metrics such as Bounce Rate, User Signals focus on active engagement patterns that show content quality. Pogosticking behavior creates negative signals, while sustained engagement through clicks and scrolling generates positive signals. These patterns differ from disputed metrics like Dwell Time, focusing on actual user actions rather than passive time tracking.

Improving User Signals requires creating content that matches User Intent Matching and encourages real engagement. Strong user signals often lead to better CTR from SERP Features and can help pages maintain rankings even when traditional SEO metrics are competitive.