Quick answer:<\/strong> There is no single good CTR. In Advanced Web Ranking\u2019s July 2026 data, the top result averaged about 20% on US desktop, the second about 10% and the third about 4%. Other studies put position 1 higher, and AI Overviews cut it sharply. Compare each page with others at a similar position, separate branded from non-branded searches, and fix low performers with better titles and snippets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You see a CTR of 3% in Search Console and wonder if that\u2019s fine. It depends on where the page ranks, what the search is, and what else sits on the results page. This guide gives 2026 benchmarks, shows how to read your own data, and lists six ways to improve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advanced Web Ranking\u2019s July 2026 study (US desktop, all result types) found the average organic CTR was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other studies are higher. Backlinko\u2019s analysis of about four million results put the top position at 27.6% (as summarised by Loudspeaker Marketing). One 2026 compilation says position 1 earns between 19% and 39.8% depending on the study, device and whether an AI Overview appears (The STACC). Published studies disagree, so treat any figure as a band, not a target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two cautions. Most of this data is from the US, so Indian results may differ. And your own Search Console numbers are the best benchmark you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People searching your name click your result far more often. Advanced Web Ranking found position 1 averaged 27.3% CTR for branded searches against 19.4% for unbranded (US, all devices, July 2026). Mix the two together and your average can mislead you. Filter by query text that contains, and doesn\u2019t contain, your brand name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AI Overviews appeared on 43% of sampled desktop results pages in July 2026 (Advanced Web Ranking). When one appears:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seer Interactive\u2019s 2026 data showed a partial recovery in early 2026 (Presenc.ai). One compilation reports that sites cited in an AI Overview get about 35% more clicks than uncited ones (Loudspeaker Marketing). So a page can hold its position and still lose clicks. Our guide on ranking on Google but missing from AI Overviews<\/a> covers that side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A rule of thumb: a page averaging position 1 to 3 with a CTR far below the benchmark bands deserves attention. A page at position 15 with 1% CTR is normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Rewrite the title.<\/strong> Keep the main keyword near the front and add one specific reason to click. See our guide on how to rewrite a title tag<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Write a meta description that answers the search.<\/strong> It doesn\u2019t directly affect rankings, but it can affect clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Match the search intent.<\/strong> If people ask a question, answer it in the first lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Check what else is on the page.<\/strong> A map pack, ads or an AI Overview above you will lower CTR whatever you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Add structured data where you qualify.<\/strong> Features like review stars can make a result stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Build brand searches.<\/strong> Branded queries have the highest CTR, so social media, PR and local visibility all help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t chase CTR on pages that rank on page two, pages that exist to support others, or pages where an AI Overview now answers the question. Track impressions, clicks and enquiries together. If clicks fall but enquiries hold, your SEO may still be doing its job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a team to review your pages, see our SEO services<\/a>. Our guide to why pages get stuck on page two<\/a> covers the ranking side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is a good CTR for position 1?<\/strong> Is a 2% CTR bad?<\/strong> Why did my CTR drop while my position stayed the same?<\/strong> Does a higher CTR improve my ranking?<\/strong> Where do I see CTR in Search Console?<\/strong> Should I compare mobile and desktop?<\/strong> About Biznex:<\/strong> Biznex is a Mumbai digital marketing agency headquartered at Star Plaza, Borivali East. It offers SEO, performance marketing, social media marketing, website development, branding, video and WhatsApp marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n External links: Instagram<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a> | YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n\n What Is a Good Click-Through Rate in Search Console, by Position?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Branded Searches Get More Clicks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How AI Overviews Change a Good Click-Through Rate in Search Console<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Read CTR in Search Console<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6 Ways to Improve CTR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Not to Worry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anywhere from about 20% to nearly 40% depending on the study, device and search type. Advanced Web Ranking\u2019s July 2026 US desktop average was 20.02%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not necessarily. It depends on position and search type. At position 1 it\u2019s low. At position 8 it\u2019s roughly normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often because an AI Overview, ads or a map pack now sits above you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google hasn\u2019t said so publicly. Treat CTR as a signal about your snippet, not a lever for rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Performance, Search results, with CTR and Average position turned on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Use the Devices filter, since results pages and CTR differ between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n