What is Dwell Time In Plain English
Dwell time is the amount of time a visitor spends on a page after clicking it from search results. Here's what it means and why it matters.
In Plain English
Dwell time is the amount of time someone spends on a page after clicking it from search results, before going back to the search engine.
Think of it as the “pause” a customer takes inside your shop. If they come in, look around for several minutes, and then leave, the dwell time is long. If they step in and leave instantly, the dwell time is short.
How is Dwell Time Different from Bounce Rate?
- Bounce Rate: Measures whether a visitor leaves after viewing only one page, regardless of how long they stayed.
- Dwell Time: Focuses specifically on how long someone stays after arriving from search, before returning to the search results.
Example:
- A visitor reads your blog for 5 minutes and then goes back to Google → Long dwell time, but still counts as a bounce.
- A visitor clicks your page and returns in 5 seconds → Short dwell time, high bounce.
Why Dwell Time Matters
While not an official Google ranking factor, dwell time is a strong signal of content quality and relevance. If visitors stay longer, it suggests your page answered their question. If they leave quickly, it may mean your content missed the mark.
Ways to improve dwell time:
- Write clear, engaging content that matches search intent.
- Use headings, images, and bullet points to keep readers interested.
- Link to related content so users explore more of your site.
FAQs
Q: What is dwell time?
It is the amount of time a visitor spends on a page after clicking from search results before returning to the search engine.
Q: Is dwell time a ranking factor?
Google does not confirm it as a direct ranking factor, but it is widely seen as an indicator of content quality and user satisfaction.
Q: How can I increase dwell time?
By creating useful, engaging content and linking to other relevant pages so visitors stay longer on your site.