Navboost

What is Navboost?

Navboost is an advanced Google ranking system designed to improve the search results for navigational queries.

It analyses user behaviour such as clicks, interactions and engagement to help rank websites in the SERPs.

Let me explain:

The Google algorithm primarily relies on on-page and off-site ranking factors to determine the order in which websites appear on Google.

These factors are mostly focused on the:

  • Quality
  • Trustworthiness
  • Authority

…of the website and its content.

This is how Google has worked since it was created.

But Navboost brings in a completely different element to the algorithm.

It examines how users engage with content to measure the satisfaction of their interactions. This information is then factored into the ranking algorithm and used later to update the SERPs.

Put simply – Good user interactions can increase your rankings, while bad interactions can decrease your rankings.

The Navboost algorithm stores user interactions for up to 13 months, so it can take some time to get it working for you!

Navboost was first mentioned in the 2023 Google antitrust trial. More comprehensive information about how it works was revealed in the 2024 Google search leak.

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How Does Navboost Work?

Navboost works by analysing user behaviour signals like clicks, CTRs, engagement, and more to determine the most relevant results for navigation queries.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say you search on Google “restaurants near me“.

Google processes this search by looking at your current location and identifying nearby restaurants. It then prioritises the results based on a bunch of user signals and factors such as:

  • Proximity
  • Popularity
  • User reviews
  • Business hours

The algorithm might also consider real-time data like whether the restaurant is currently open or if there are any current promotions.

But that’s not all…

The Navboost then uses collected engagement signals to refine the search results. For example, if a particular restaurant consistently gets high engagement, Navboost might rank it higher in future searches.

Cool, right?

The end result is a highly relevant and refined list of restaurants delivered to you in seconds.

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Is Navboost The Same A “Glue”?

No, Navboost is not exactly the same as Glue. Navboost focuses primarily on click data in the SERPs, while Glue analyses other features in the SERPs.

Navboost primarily looks at clicks to websites from the SERPs. It categorises clicks into several categories, including “GoodClicks” and “BadClicks.”

navboost: good clicks & bad clicks

Glue uses key SERP interactions such as clicks, hovers, scrolls, and swipes.

For example, the Glue system will pick up if a user pauses over the People Also Ask section and expands one of the questions.

All of this data is used to improve the search results.

It’s worth mentioning that Glue and Navboost serve similar functions in the algorithm. However, they focus on different user metrics and are used at different times.

Here’s what I mean:

Google’s algorithm works in stages. As each stage is layered, it refines the search results to provide the user with more relevant and accurate content.

Navboost is used more at the beginning of the algorithm to cull the results. Glue comes in towards the end to refine the results.

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How Does Navboost Affect SEO?

Navboost affects SEO by boosting the rankings of websites that have clear navigation and provide a great user experience.

The way users interact with your website matters. It can have a significant impact on your keyword rankings.

Why?

Because the interactions and engagement ultimately tell Google whether your website benefits the user.

Google relies on detailed click data, which means that SEOs and website owners need to take this into account when implementing an SEO campaign.

This includes things like:

  • Fast loading site
  • Intuitive navigation
  • Clear silo structure
  • Excellent content

The goal is to reduce things like pogo sticking and improve metrics like dwell time and pages per visit.

The Navboost system is a massive change to the Google core algorithm. It means that Google is now measuring user metrics and using them to rank content.

Make sure your website offers an excellent user experience!

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