Google Page Experience Algorithm Update 2021

A big shift in the way your website will be indexed is coming. Make sure you benefit from the coming Google Page Experience update!

Update Summary

The WWW is in a constant state of development, which means it is always expanding and evolving. Search engines like Google need to keep up with this to remain relevant and keep providing the best match between user and content. Ever adjusting algorithms make sure the most appropriate websites pop up when we are surfing the Web.

Google plans to update its algorithm in 2021 to include a factor called Page Experience. This update will include:

Existing Google Search signals such as mobile-friendliness, safe-browsing, HTTPS, and intrusive interstitial guidelines.
Metrics in Google’s Web Vitals, which have to do with a site’s loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
Optimizing for mobile, improving page speeds, CTAs, and alt text for images.

Google has indicated that AMP ready content will score highest after the update, and for site owners and others, understanding these signals and making the necessary changes should be a priority.

Page Experience Update: What is it?

Changes to these algorithms happen all the time and are generally there to keep the most important rule intact: ‘content is king’. If you provide desirable information, services, or products, you should rank accordingly. The factor that has become increasingly important over the years is the manner in which the content is provided. How pleasant is the experience of your website? Loading speed–for example–has been a part of Googles algorithms for a while now, as has proper access to smaller devices and the security your site provides (by means of a SSL certificate).

Here at SND Agency, we take Web development very seriously and use the best hosting, software, and SEO services available in order to give our clients the edge they need to stand out and thrive. We know that most algorithm updates come and go without notice, without affecting your website(s). However, chances are the Page Experience update will demand some attention. While deliberately avoiding getting too deep into the technical side, the new update means that Google will put a lot more weight on UX (User Experience), which involves loading speed, Mobile Friendliness, safe browsing, Intrusive Interstitials (like pop-ups) and something called Core Web Vitals, which covers in detail just HOW your pages are loaded. For an extensive explanation please read this great article by Rachel Costello from builtvisible.com.

Lighthouse Testing

So, what do we do with all this information? How do we keep up and even benefit from these changes? The first thing is to assess your website to see how it currently measures up to the new Page Experience algorithm. Thankfully, Google has developed a tool called Lighthouse that will do just that. By evaluating your particular website and the results of its lighthouse score, we can create a plan that will best meet the update’s new demands.

If you run a basic website with good hosting, chances are a that just a few minor adjustments will get you up to speed (pun intended). Larger, older and/or more complex websites might be looking at more comprehensive action to stay up to date. The benefits will of course reflect the extra work, as ignoring the update will without a doubt result in a drastic drop in ranking. Upgrading your website will not only preserve your ranking but most likely increase it, as not all competitors are willing to put in the work.

All clients of SND Agency receive an assessment of their websites and a plan to profit from the latest changes in SEO.

If you own a website and wonder what the Page Experience algorithm update means for your business, feel free to send us a message, and we would be happy to send you a free assessment.