IKS
IKS (Index Kachestva Saita, or Website Quality Index) is a metric from Yandex that shows how useful a website is to users and how authoritative it is within its niche. The IKS is calculated automatically based on user behavior, content quality, traffic, and other factors. The index is updated regularly and is publicly accessible.
What is IKS?
IKS is a numerical index that Yandex assigns to each website. It replaced the older “TIC” (Thematic Index Citation) metric and has become a more modern indicator of a resource’s usefulness.
The higher the IKS, the better the search engine evaluates the website.
What Influences IKS?
Yandex uses a complex set of factors. The exact formulas are not disclosed, but the main parameter groups are known:
- Content Quality and Usefulness
- Uniqueness;
- Expertise and depth of materials;
- Relevance;
- Clear structure.
- Behavioral Factors
- Time spent on site;
- Bounce rate;
- Page depth (number of pages viewed per session);
- User return rate.
- Traffic
- Overall visit volume;
- Share of organic traffic;
- Stability and growth trends in traffic.
- Thematic Authority
- Inbound links;
- Brand mentions;
- Site reputation.
- Technical Parameters
- Absence of errors;
- Correct indexing;
- Mobile and technical optimization;
- Presence of HTTPS.
Where to Check IKS
You can see the IKS:
- In Yandex.Webmaster;
- In search results — using certain browser extensions;
- On a dedicated Yandex page: https://yandex.ru/support/webmaster/iks/
Why is IKS Needed?
- Website Quality Assessment: IKS indicates how useful the resource is for its audience.
- Competitor Comparison: Helps quickly understand who is stronger in a niche.
- Tracking Development: A drop or rise in IKS reflects changes in quality and traffic.
- Website Valuation for Purchase: A high IKS typically indicates a more valuable website.
How to Increase IKS
- Improve content quality;
- Enhance website usability (UX);
- Work on SEO and site structure;
- Grow targeted traffic;
- Eliminate technical issues;
- Strengthen brand presence and citations.
Conclusion
IKS is an important public metric from Yandex that reflects a website’s usefulness, authority, and quality. It helps assess a resource’s position among competitors and track its development.
The higher the IKS, the more the search engine trusts the website and the greater its potential in search rankings.
