Dwell time is the amount of time a user spends on a webpage after clicking a link from a search results page, before they go back to the search results. It’s an indicator of how engaging or useful a page is to the user, which makes it an important metric in SEO.
When someone clicks on your page and stays there for a while, it suggests they found something valuable. On the flip side, if they quickly click back to the search results, it’s a signal to search engines that the content may not be meeting their needs.
High dwell time can help boost a page’s search ranking, as it signals that users find the content relevant and engaging.
To improve dwell time, focus on creating valuable, scannable, and well-structured content that hooks the reader’s attention right from the start and keeps them exploring the page.
Factors Affecting Dwell Time in SEO
1. Content Quality and Relevance
High-quality, relevant content is the biggest factor in keeping visitors around. If users see valuable information right away, they’re more likely to stay and read. Content should answer the user’s question effectively and offer something unique they can’t find elsewhere.
2. Page Load Speed
Pages that take too long to load usually lose visitors before they even get to the content. Fast-loading pages help keep people on your site, giving you a chance to engage them with your content.
3. Visual Appeal and Layout
Design matters. Clean, visually appealing, and easy-to-navigate layouts make it easier for people to stick around. A cluttered page or hard-to-read fonts can turn visitors away fast.
4. Internal Linking
If visitors see links that genuinely complement the content they’re reading, they’ll be more likely to explore other pages on your site. This not only boosts dwell time on your site but also encourages more page views per session.
5. Scannable Content Structure
Scannable content with clear headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs makes content easy to read. This is especially important for mobile visitors who prefer a concise, readable format.
6. Engaging Media
Including videos, infographics, and images can increase dwell time since they add depth to the content and are visually engaging. For instance, a helpful video or infographic that complements the text gives users a reason to spend more time on your page.