Google algorithm updates are a constant challenge for SEO consultants, as they often come with little warning or clarity. However, the Page Experience Update, announced in 2020 and rolling out in 2021, is an exception. Google provided significant advance notice, allowing webmasters to prepare effectively. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your website is ready for this crucial update.
The Page Experience Update focuses on how users perceive their interactions with your website. It considers various factors related to user experience, including page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure browsing. This update aims to reward websites that offer an optimal and user-centric experience across devices, emphasizing mobile platforms.
Mobile-friendliness is a critical aspect of the Page Experience Update. Google switched to mobile-first indexing starting in September 2020, meaning it prioritizes the mobile version of your site when ranking it.
For Blogs: WordPress is an ideal platform for blog websites, offering responsive themes and plugins that enhance mobile-friendliness.
For E-Commerce Websites: Consider migrating to mobile-friendly platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce, which are optimized for a seamless mobile experience.
Key Mobile-Friendly Tips:
Keep your website’s menus short and well-organized.
Ensure images and text are responsive.
Ensure the logo links to the homepage when clicked on mobile.
Website speed plays a massive role in user experience. Slow-loading websites leads to higher bounce rates and lower user engagement, negatively impacting rankings. The bounce rate can increase dramatically every second your website's load time increases.
Steps To Improve Website Speed:
Use Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas for improvement.
Compress images using the WebP format.
Use a Content Distribution Network (CDN) to speed up delivery.
Implement Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) for mobile users.
Optimize code by removing unnecessary HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Implement asynchronous loading and browser caching.
Content quality and relevance remain a core factor for ranking in search results. Ensure your content is trustworthy, valuable, and aligned with user search intent.
Content Tips for Optimization:
Provide authoritative links to trusted sources.
Ensure content is high-quality, well-written, and error-free.
Use relevant, high-resolution images.
Create compelling headlines and use subheadings for better readability.
Include data-driven content that positions your site as an expert in the field.
Low website security can harm your SEO rankings. Google prioritizes secure websites (HTTPS over HTTP) and penalizes those that lack protection.
Steps to Improve Security:
Check for security issues in Google Search Console.
Use Google’s Transparency Report to verify the safety of your site.
Implement SSL certificates to encrypt your website and convert it to HTTPS.
Heatmaps allow you to track user behavior on your site, helping you identify usability issues and areas for improvement.
Tools like Hotjar or Crazy Egg can help you understand how users interact with your website, allowing you to make informed design improvements.
While bounce rates are not a direct ranking factor, they indicate how valuable users find your page. High bounce rates can negatively impact your site's performance and user experience.
Ways to Reduce Bounce Rates:
Limit the number of CTAs on your site to avoid confusion.
Add engaging images and videos on key pages.
Simplify website navigation.
Use internal links to guide users to related content.
A 26-46% bounce rate is acceptable; anything above 40% signals a need for improvement.
Users hate intrusive pop-ups and ads that hinder their experience on your website. These elements can significantly harm your website's user experience.
Best Practices:
Only use pop-ups when absolutely necessary.
Avoid displaying ads before content loads.
Remove any other disruptive elements that create friction for users.
Preparing your website for the Google Page Experience Update requires a comprehensive focus on mobile-friendliness, page speed, content quality, security, and overall user experience. While these factors have always been important, they directly impact your website's ranking in search results. By following these SEO best practices to enhance your website's usability, you'll benefit from this update and boost your rankings. Regular audits, testing, and updates will help optimize your site and align with the latest Google guidelines.