What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
Bounce rate in Google Analytics is the percentage of single page visits spent on your site before clicking (bouncing) away. A high bounce rate means that your entrance page is not relevant to your visitors.
I wondered whether I should change my blog title which is “Making Money on the Internet”. When I started this blog making money was my intention, but I have given up on that project and the blog is more of a personal diary; perhaps my title should reflect this.
The bounce rate for this blog is quite high at 74% and I’m not sure why this is the case, or how I can improve it. I would appreciate any suggestions, or reasons for this high bounce rate?
John McNally
Marathon Runner, Drinker and Artist, Blogging for Pleasure and Profit.
I’d encourage you to change your blog title to reflect where you’re at now. If making money is no longer your primary goal for blogging …change it. You have always written good, thought provoking posts. Follow your bliss brother.
hansi´s last [type] ..I Want Sarah
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John McNally
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October 20th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
The problem with changing my blog title is that I will need a new header installed and I’ve forgotten how I did this. I will have to look back at some of my old Masterclass lessons. Being lazy, doing nothing is easier…..
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Since this is my first visit here, I’ll yield to Hansi since he has made 46 comments.
Frank´s last [type] ..On an Unexpected Day
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John McNally
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October 20th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
That’s kind of you Frank, Hansi is a regular visitor here.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Bounch rate sometimes also means that there is higher probablity of getting your ads clicked.
Bishwajeet @Comptalks´s last [type] ..ARM Cortex A7 announced : Smart Phones to be cheaper
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John McNally
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November 2nd, 2011 at 3:50 pm
That’s probably true Bishwajeet, the longer spent on a site the more chance an advert will be clicked.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Hi John
With most blogs current posts are always on the home page so I suppose not many delve into previous pages but comment only on the posts they see.
When you can drum up the enthusiasm I would change your banner to encompass your interests if the income side is longer of interest.
All the Masterclass and other mentor blogs all have income ads on their pages but how many have made any money with them – I know I haven’t.
Bill
Bill Murney´s last [type] ..Falling Behind
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Same here Bill, I haven’t made anything from the adverts on my blog. It’s only laziness that prevents me from changing the header to something more accurate.
You made a good point about visitors only seeing the first page, however this only applies to around half of my visitors, the rest go to old posts via the tagged keywords.
John
Leamington Spa, England
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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Hi John,
If you were in MasterClass, then I suspect you paid for header and footer images from Planet Divinity. Graphics are now supplied by GFX-1.com (still part of Planet Divinity – I think). However, with your artistic ability, you could create your own headers and footers using a free program like Gimp (or the overpriced Photoshop). It is not difficult. I have trouble drawing stick figures, but I can use Gimp. In fact, you could make money online by producing graphics for other people, then you wouldn’t have to change your header.
Don
Don´s last [type] ..My National Anthem
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:33 pm
I could use Photoshop for a new header Don but I’m not sure I will bother. I’m too lazy.
John
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t answer the original question.
I’d be happy with any bounce rate at the moment. Of course, you don’t want them to bounce too much, otherwise you could have a problem with overhang. You certainly don’t want to slip on them before a grand entrance.
I may upset some people, but I’m only having fun and when you are like John and Me, sometimes what we find funny is not acceptable to others. If so, my apologies.
Don
Don´s last [type] ..My National Anthem
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:35 pm
No need to apologise Don, It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. I shall watch out for those bouncing problems you mentioned.
John
Leamington Spa, England
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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Bounce rate is a toughie. Mine is even a bit higher than yours. Obviously spammers all count as bounce. Stumbleupon traffic are also notorious for traffic. (I get a couple hundred stumbles on many articles.. and this holds up with a 90% bounce rate for those)
The ironic thing is, that you regular readers can be bounces too!
The thing is that chances are most of your loyal readers come, read your newest article and leave. A bounce.
There are of course a lot of ways to decrease this. ( I am working on it too)
1. Make navigation clearer. have an organization on top or sidebar with posts that may interest new people. (By topic)
2. Interlink newer posts to older
3. Have a “related links” on bottom of each post
4. Create a cleaner less cluttered look with strong push to other content.
Of course you can just accept it as part of life too
Steve@Earn Money Online´s last [type] ..15 “Google-Proof” Ways to Create a Quality Niche Site [Niche Affiliate Income #2]
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Thanks for the suggestions for reducing my bounce rate Steve, that’s given me food for thought.
I don’t use social networking sites so maybe that’s why my bounce rate isn’t 90%, actually it has reduced to 70% now. I had another blog commentator on an old post that said his bounce rate was 25%, so I have a long way to go.
John
Leamington Spa, England
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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Heck, let ‘em bounce. I’m just happy that they find me at all. My suggestion is that you keep your making money blog and document how you have moved beyond making money. Or as a second option start a new personal blog and build an empire.
Ralph@retirement lifestyle´s last [type] ..Thinking about work.
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Don
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October 26th, 2011 at 7:37 am
Hey Ralph,
Sounds like good advice.
Don
Don´s last [type] ..My National Anthem
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Ralph from retirement lifestyle
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October 29th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Advance Australia Fair? Who knew?
Ralph@retirement lifestyle´s last [type] ..What is RalphCarlsonBlog? Part 1
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:43 pm
I was thinking about starting another blog Ralph, but I won’t now. I have enough trouble trying to keep this site updated and fresh. I’ve lost my mojo for writing posts and the blog has become a chore instead of a pleasure.
John
Leamington Spa, England
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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Probably 74% is a good bounce rate, John!
I don’t remember when I checked mine last, but it’s probably too bad to talk about. LOL!
Did you check your bounce rate before your last two posts? That would be when your loyal readers would come over but gone back because there was no new post from you.
Now that you are back, your bounce rate might get even better.
Cheers,
Mark
Mark of Success´s last [type] ..Secrets of Success is now a Do-Follow Blog [Site Announcement]
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:46 pm
That’s a good point Mark, my bounce rate may improve if I get back to writing regular posts. It’s currently 70% so it’s slightly better than when I first wrote this post.
John
Leamington Spa, England
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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Mark of Success
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November 2nd, 2011 at 5:27 am
Great! That’s a significant improvement!
I just checked mine, it is 75%. I hope for a better one when I go live with my new site.
Mark of Success´s last [type] ..It’s You Who Can Make Them Come Alive
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I never heard of bounce rate before but if I have to guess and after a little bit of research 74% looks good in my eyes. Keep on the good work!
Demi´s last [type] ..water koker
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John McNally
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Thanks Demi, I feel a bit better about my bounce rate now.
John
Leamington Spa, England
John McNally´s last [type] ..What % is a Good Bounce Rate?
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I come back mother maker!
Never will I leave you alone and
If I have to, I’ll polish your
boots. These them?
Bounce Rate 100 Percent´s last [type] ..Who Is Me On Your Team?
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John McNally
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November 2nd, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Good to have you back Barry, I prefer to polish my own boots though, thankyou.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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If you already changed how things are going here, like what most said, why not consider changing your header. In case you can do it by yourself, you could actually outsource it. Try checking in forums, you might be lucky to have an affordable one. Also, try interlinking within the site. I know it could be a bit tedious but you would definitely be interested to do it.
Audrey@Best Baby Swing´s last [type] ..Fisher Price Swing To High Chair 2-In-1 Review
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John McNally
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November 10th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Thanks for the tips Audrey. I have photoshop so I can create a new header with that. I just have to overcome my laziness, inertia is a lot easier.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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I have never heard about bounce rate! I guess it is something specific for internet marketing and blogging? But I think it is useful anyway even to people who are not specialists:)
Anna´s last [type] ..Is wisdom teeth extraction an option for me as an adult?
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John McNally
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November 10th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Bounce rate is a term used by Google Analytics Anna, it is used for any website.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Hi John,
I think Steve covered it very well. In fact I was glad he did as i always thought it was just people coming, seeing and going. So his explanation was really helpful.
I would change the header as well John, let it say what you are or what you do mate. I see you said you have photoshop so if you drop me an email I’ll reply with a gift for you
I saw you and Bill talking about earning from the ad’s in the sidebar. I’ve had a cheque off of Google for adsense but I have about 150 TY pages with adsense on them si i feel comfortable that the money came from them not my blog. I have recently changed themes and when i installed the new one I removed all the adverts from my blog: Adsense, CB Ad Rotator and affiliated products. None of them were earning anyway so why have them there?
Take care John, and drop me that email mate
Barry
Barry Wells´s last [type] ..I’m Going To Interview An Expert, Do YOU Have Any Questions You Need Answering?
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Barry, Steve has a post about bounce rate on his blog. Have a look, it’s very informative and the comments help as well.
I don’t know what TY pages are, but well done for getting some adsense earnings from them.
Thanks for the free gift offer Barry. I won’t take this up as I’m not going to make any changes to my header yet. Too lazy to overcome the inertia.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Barry Wells
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December 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Hi John, TY pages are Thank You (download) pages mate. I have them for my eBay sales, a sly little trick I use to help generate extra sales and income.
No worries on the headers John, you know where to come if/when you change your mind mate
Hope you’re well John
Take care mate,
Barry
Barry Wells´s last [type] ..Learn With Sally: All Good Things Must Come To An End
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Hey John, I heard this line of yours too many times in this post and comments… Too lazy to overcome the inertia… you may need a kick to get you going. Had that happen to myself so I’ve been there. Lately I promised myself I’ll get my work done and I’m going to stick to it. You may try that too
Chris´s last [type] ..Autoblogging weirdness – the coolest months I ever had
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John McNally
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December 16th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Thanks for the motivational tips Chris, I need something to get me going.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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I never had any idea about bounce rate, all I know once you made your blog site as a homepage, bounce rate comes next. am I right?
Kate Brown Wilson´s last [type] ..קבלה
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John McNally
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December 16th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
As long as you have Google Analytics Kate, they calculate the bounce rate for you.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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John,
I think that bounce rate for a blog is somewhat over-rated as a measurement of blogging success. If you have lots of regular followers then your bounce rate will be high because they will visit your blog when you post a new article and then immediately leave.
Blogs that have dofollow comments also tend to get higher bounce rates because people will just drop by to drop a comment and move on without ever caring one bit about what you really have to say.
Another thing that can increase your bounce rate is posting random topics. Even if a person is interested in one topic on your site, when they see your other posts are about things they aren’t interested in, then they will bounce.
Ted´s last [type] ..Why Most Make Money Online Programs Won’t Work For You
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John McNally
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December 16th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Thanks for the detailed reply Ted, much appreciated. I didn’t realise the ‘dofollow’ aspect which increases bounce rate.
I must admit I thought having random topics would reduce bounce rate, visitors could find something of interest among the varied topics.I take your point however that if the entry blog post has not got any similar, related topics, people will bounce away.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Hey John,
I’m pretty sure that if you gave your details for you header (picture you’re going to use, text to use, colors, etc)
Someone would do it for free!
Just a thought!
Sergio
Sergio Felix´s last [type] ..Getting a Mentor, Gurus and Flying Solo
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John McNally
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December 16th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
You’re right Sergio, I’ve already had one free offer from Barry. Thanks for the tip.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Hi John
Bounce rate in part comes down to who you invite onto your blog and how engaged they are with you, by splitting your posts so they have to click to continue reading will help to reduce the bounce rate.
Ultimately it comes down to who is reading your blog and what they are looking for.
I would leave the header as it is and just document what you are doing instead of making money online. You have your reasons for moving on and many will find these either a wake up call to do the same or lessons in how to push through the pain barrier.
Either way I would continue to blog as your writing style is very easy to read, good luck for the future.
It would be great to hear your thoughts on your top 7 posts during your Internet marketing phase and since and to make it easy for you I have included some ideas to get you started.
- Your most beautiful post
– Your most popular post
– Your most controversial post
– Your most helpful post
– A post whose success surprised you
– A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved
– The post that you are most proud of
And then nominate 5 more bloggers to take part, simply pick on 5 commentors which is what led me back to your blog
Here’s to your successful life
igor Griffiths
igor Griffiths´s last [type] ..Thanks Randy! 7 Links and Old Friends
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John McNally
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December 16th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Many thanks Igor, you’ve given me a load of ideas for new posts just at the right time – I’ve lost my writing mojo.
I didn’t realise splitting a post reduces bounce rate but that makes logical sense.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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Jis wanted to say that I still like you and consider you to be a real good person.
I want you to have a: Real good life, Real relationship with others and a Real to Real tape player. (mayhaps you’ve already got that)
Oh, and Merry (X – insert personal god here) mas.
If we can’t overcome hiccups, how powerful are we, really?
Later pal.
b
Grate To Know U´s last [type] ..Before Long No One Will Be Hitting Anyone And Nothing Will Get Done
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John McNally
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December 16th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Merry Xmas Barry, good to see you firing on all cylinders.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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I also checked my bounce rates and I’m not so good at it. I am looking forward to you to find the solving of the problem, and then I could get some ideas to make some changes on my blog.Really interesting article btw.
Cindy´s last [type] ..Fear of the dentist
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Hey John, I’ve been trying to email you but they keep getting returned. Can I have your new address? Need to ask you a BIG favour! I’ve just put a post on my blog about it! Hope you and Margaret are well.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
mandy@LearnToBlog´s last [type] ..Welcome to 2012
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I’m sure you already know this – but even if you didn’t I’m sure someone in the previous 45 comments has probably brought it up. But I’m guessing that your bounce rate is high because you’re sending a signal that they’re responding to, and when they get to your blog, and it’s not about making money, they feel a disconnect from what they were anticipating.
It’s about creating a consistency that engages and attracts readers. I bet that the people that have been with you for a while don’t even notice it, because you already resonate with them. But any new audience will most likely feel like they’ve stumbled into the wrong place because they’re not getting what they expected.
Anyway, as a business success coach, that’s my nickel’s worth.
You still have an engaging and interesting blog.
Make it Great,
Theresa
Theresa@Business Success Coach, Business Positioning, Business Building´s last [type] ..Set Your Business Apart Through Positioning
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I notice that you are a runner. Me too. But since I don’t see well, I have to do it with my white cane. Being legally blind certainly makes for an interesting marathon, what with obstacles, and missing corner turns, running into parked cars, etc. Check out my blog if you like- I included the link.
How ’bout it
-Vision Runner (Rhonda)
Vision Runner@ Blind Marathon Runner´s last [type] ..Happy High Five
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Hey John,
I know the feeling about losing your mojo. Since my dad passed away, I’ve been kind of dormant. If there is anything I can tell others (you included) if you don’t use it you lose it. It’s hard getting back into the swing of things but I strongly believe once you start it gets easier to stay moving.
I know once I pick my ass off the floor I will do my best to stay on top of things. There is something in me that makes me feel bad everyday that I haven’t been Online too much. I’m also working on a few things at my own slow pace for now. Perhaps its a good sign.
I know you’ve put in a lot of work into your blog and it shows, even now that you lost your mojo you have a good rating. Think about how you would feel back then when you first started out if you had the kind of traffic you have now. Try to use this traffic for what ever reasons your brain may think of. Always the best to you John. T.
Terry Conti´s last [type] ..Internet Marketing- The Learning Never Stops
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Bounce rate is the percentage of people who view one page of your website and leave. Google uses this to measure your site’s relevance. If a lot of people are “bouncing” away from your website, then it makes your ratings go down. The higher the bounce rate percentage, the worse it is. The lower the bounce rate, the better.
Lance´s last [type] ..PPI Claims
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