Google is the most widely used search engine in the world, and it has become an indispensable tool for millions of people. However, Google is always looking for ways to improve its search algorithm and provide better results to its users. In 2021, Google announced a major change to its search algorithm, known as the Page Experience Update. This update is set to roll out in 2022 and will have a significant impact on the way websites are ranked in Google search results. In this article, we will explore what the Page Experience Update is, how it will affect search results, and what website owners can do to prepare for the change.
1: What is the Page Experience Update?
The Page Experience Update is a major change to Google’s search algorithm that aims to improve the user experience of websites. It takes into account various metrics that measure how users interact with a website, such as page load speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Google has stated that this update will be one of the most significant changes to its search algorithm in recent years.
The Page Experience Update is part of a broader initiative by Google to prioritize user experience on the web. Google has been promoting the importance of user experience for many years, and this update is a continuation of that effort. By prioritizing websites that provide a good user experience, Google hopes to make the web a more pleasant and useful place for everyone.
2: How will the Page Experience Update affect search results?
The Page Experience Update will have a significant impact on how websites are ranked in Google search results. Websites that provide a good user experience will be prioritized over those that don’t. This means that websites that are slow to load, difficult to navigate, or have poor visual stability may see a drop in their search rankings.
Google has provided a set of metrics that it will use to evaluate the user experience of websites. These metrics include:
- Core Web Vitals: This is a set of metrics that measure loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. These metrics include Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
- Mobile-friendliness: Google has been prioritizing mobile-friendly websites for several years, and this update will continue that trend. Websites that are not optimized for mobile devices may see a drop in their search rankings.
- Safe Browsing: Google has long been committed to keeping its users safe from malware and phishing attacks. Websites that are deemed unsafe by Google may see a drop in their search rankings.
- HTTPS: Websites that use HTTPS encryption will be prioritized over those that don’t. This is because HTTPS provides a more secure browsing experience for users.
Overall, the Page Experience Update will prioritize websites that provide a good user experience and penalize those that don’t.
3: What can website owners do to prepare for the Page Experience Update?
Website owners can take several steps to prepare for the Page Experience Update and ensure that their websites provide a good user experience. Some of these steps include:
- Optimizing loading speed: One of the most important metrics in the Page Experience Update is loading speed. Website owners can optimize their website’s loading speed by compressing images, minifying code, and using a content delivery network (CDN).
- Improving interactivity: Websites that are slow to respond to user input may see a drop in their search rankings. Website owners can improve interactivity by reducing the number of third-party scripts on their website and optimizing JavaScript code.
- Ensuring visual stability: Websites that experience sudden shifts in layout may be penalized by Google. Website owners can ensure visual stability by reserving space for images and ads and using aspect ratios for videos.
- Optimizing for mobile: Mobile-friendly websites have been a priority for Google for several years, and this trend will continue with the Page Experience Update. Website owners can optimize their website for mobile by using a responsive design, compressing images, and using smaller fonts.
- Ensuring website security: Google takes website security seriously, and websites that are deemed unsafe may see a drop in their search rankings. Website owners can ensure website security by using HTTPS encryption and regularly scanning their website for malware and vulnerabilities.
- Focusing on user experience: Ultimately, the Page Experience Update is about providing a good user experience. Website owners should focus on creating content that is valuable and engaging to their audience, and ensure that their website is easy to navigate and use.
Conclusion
The Page Experience Update is a major change to Google’s search algorithm that aims to prioritize user experience on the web. The update will take into account various metrics that measure how users interact with a website, such as page load speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Websites that provide a good user experience will be prioritized over those that don’t.
Website owners can prepare for the Page Experience Update by optimizing their website for loading speed, improving interactivity, ensuring visual stability, optimizing for mobile, ensuring website security, and focusing on user experience.
The Page Experience Update is an important reminder that website owners should always prioritize user experience when designing and optimizing their websites. By providing a good user experience, website owners can not only improve their search rankings but also build a loyal and engaged audience.
