Google’s Algorithm Update: What It Means for You & Your Business

By May 24, 2021 January 10th, 2024 Search Engine Optimization
desk with macbook open to google home page

In May of 2021, Google is set to roll out the Page Experience update as part of its ever-changing algorithm.  As with any Google update, there are always questions about what this algorithm shake up will do, how it will impact websites, and the steps that can be taken to stay on top. In this blog post, the team at Woland Web will discuss the Page Experience update and ensure you are aware of this important element that will have an impact on page rankings.

What is Page Experience?

In a nutshell, the Page Experience update will encompass all aspects related to how a user interacts with a page on a website—no matter how positive or negative. This will include all Google Search signals that are currently existing, such as mobile-friendliness, HTTPS, safe-browsing, and intrusive interstitial guidelines.

Additionally, the following Google Web Vitals metrics will be considered:

  • Visual Stability: This relates to preventing unexpected and annoying page content movement.
  • Interactivity: This addresses the time from when a user first begins page interaction, i.e., a click, tap, etc., to the time when the browser itself processes such interaction.
  • Loading: This will measure load speed, which is the point in the page load timeline when main content is finished loading.

Google, ultimately, will be combining all these aspects with this algorithm update—and it will have a considerable effect on organic search results.

What to Pay Attention to in This Update

The Page Experience update needs to be taken seriously by anyone who creates optimization strategies focused on enhancing search rankings—especially developers. The websites that offer an experience that is deemed high quality will be rewarded as visual cues will guide users and browsers to your site instead of your competition. Google is really focused with this update on ensuring that users realize a terrific page experience and that pages that fall below this new benchmark are left behind when it comes to rankings, leading to a significant drop in traffic.

What Constitutes Good Page Experience?

So, to understand what a good page experience looks and feels like, consider the following factors:

  • Your website’s pages load quickly. At the end of the day, no one wants to wait around for a search result or a page to load. Even though it may only be a few seconds, attention spans are short. If your page loads quickly and efficiently, you are less likely to see a user bounce from that page.
  • Your website has good structure and design. This means that your website is easy to navigate and offers an intuitive, seamless experience. A user does not have to deal with annoying pop ups or awkward design. What is more, this encompasses how your content is structured and presented. A quality experience here allows a user to find the information they are looking for easily and without experiencing headaches.
  • Your website is engaging. Yes, we are sure you consider your website your 24/7 salesperson, but the primary purpose should not only be to sell your product. Therefore, if your website is informative, engaging, entertaining, and inspiring, it is likely you are offering a user a positive experience. Ultimately, your website should make your company likeable, showcase how you solve a user’s problem, and of course, present a solution that is appealing and exciting.
  • Your website is optimized for mobile search. Much of page experience comes down to how a user interacts with your website while on a mobile device. Ensure your site is mobile friendly by reducing code, leveraging browser caching, and reducing or eliminating redirects. If your website is already simple, responsive, attractive on smaller screens, and optimized for mobile, then you are in a good place.

Of course, if you are doubtful about any of these bullet points that were mentioned and what it means for your site, the team at Woland Web would love to help you conduct a site audit, analyze your existing website structure and design, and ensure you are prepared for the Google Page Experience update. Do not lose out on traffic or allow page rankings to suffer! Make sure your website is working for you and is Google friendly, reach out to our team and schedule a consultation today.

Lena Lumelsky

Author Lena Lumelsky

Founder of Woland Web. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Lena had a successful career in Investment Banking IT. Lena holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.

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