IT'S NUANCED
Click-through rate affects rankings
The Myth
"Higher click-through rates from search results lead to better rankings."
The Truth
This is highly debated and nuanced. Google has patents for using CTR as a ranking signal, and many SEO experiments suggest it plays a role. However, Google officially denies using raw CTR due to spam concerns. The more likely reality: Google uses user engagement signals in complex ways, and CTR may be one factor among many. Gaming CTR alone won't work.
Google Patents
Patents describe systems for using user behavior including clicks in search ranking.
Rand Fishkin Experiments
Coordinated clicking campaigns showed temporary ranking increases.
Google denies using CTR directly due to noise and manipulation potential.
DInsight from @dejanseo
"CTR matters for getting traffic, regardless of whether it's a ranking factor. Write titles that get clicks. If it helps rankings too, that's a bonus."