Wondering if your site is still optimized after the Page Experience update from Google? Read on to find out…
Every so often, Google throws out an update that turns the world of digital marketing on its head. This time, it is their page experience update that has rocked the internet boat. Google’s latest is set to drop this month, leaving us all guessing as to what you ought to do to prepare.
We saved you the problem of seeking out clarity by providing some ourselves. Hang onto your hat’s folks, it’s time to review the things you should know about the new SEO ranking factors rolling out in 2021…
These three metrics are:
11 – Google are getting Holistic
In the initial statement they gave on a potential future algorithm change in 2021, Google said the aim would be to build a more holistic picture of user experience. Good content is going to stand out and bad content is going to do the same – but for all the wrong reasons.
The last thing we want you to take away with you today, is the knowledge of this software suite. Use it wisely, predict your problems, and never miss a page ranking again.
We saved you the problem of seeking out clarity by providing some ourselves. Hang onto your hat’s folks, it’s time to review the things you should know about the new SEO ranking factors rolling out in 2021…
13 Things to Consider about the Page Experience Update’s impact on Ranking Factors
The new SERP rules are going to affect all of us. Here are 13 key factors that are vital for SEO in 2021 and beyond.1 – There will be 3 new metrics
Googles major algorithm change has been in the works for over a year now. One of the most important changes feature three new added metrics, against which they can test your site for user friendliness.These three metrics are:
- LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) – how long it takes your page to load. When a user lands on it, you have 2.5 seconds to load or you will be marked down.
- CLS (Cumulative Layer Shift) – All those sites that shift while loading and irritate the user? They will all be punished.
- FID (First Input Delay) – which measures lag/latency. If a user clicks and the page takes a few seconds to respond, you can expect to drop through those ranks.
2 – They don’t negate the traditional values
The metrics SERPs were using to judge your page before the update are still going to come into play. You can’t focus all of your attention on meeting the new algorithm change while discarding all the work you have done so far. The two need to marry if you are to be successful in climbing the listings.3 – Visuals will be more important
If you thought your page had to look good before, now it has to look good to Google’s algorithm, too. This is a fair amount harder than simply appealing aesthetically to your client base. Things like headings in the right places and good language use have always been important. Now? They will be doubly so.4 – Page Experience ‘Signals’
The powers that be intend to use a variety of signals to test how well your website is performing on the behalf of your clients. This includes a smooth user experience with swift load times and less waiting about.5 – It will integrate with web design
Web designers have been user testing for speed, performance, and aesthetics, for years now. The trouble was that the large search engines hadn’t really caught up with this yet. Well, now they have. Web developers were making sites pretty for clients and consumers, but now they are making them pretty for Google, too.6 – User Test your KPIs
Since all of these changes are happening right now, user testing the key performance indicators outlined in the first point of this article will help you stay afloat. We predict that user testing will become massive in the following months.7 – Website Optimizations isn’t all Changing
Not all of the points that you currently measure the performance of your site against, are changing. Some are staying the same. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you will need to consider mobile use, the security of those browsing on your site, and any popups that you include. All of these will be judged the same as always.8 – Popup Ads
Popup ads have always been a nuisance, but now it’s not just ads. Google is going to home in on those popping up to ask their users to join email subscription services, too. If you have a “before you leave…” message on your site, you are one of them.9 – A few Bad Apples…
In the new algorithm changes, a few bad apples will spoil the bunch. If you have three pages out of 40 that score lowly, it’s destined to bring down the value of your entire site.10 – SEO Specialists will become Vital
Which leads us to advise everyone reading to get an SEO specialist on their side. Friendly, informative, engaging content will be a clear winner for websites in 2021.11 – Google are getting Holistic
In the initial statement they gave on a potential future algorithm change in 2021, Google said the aim would be to build a more holistic picture of user experience. Good content is going to stand out and bad content is going to do the same – but for all the wrong reasons.
12 – Customer-Centric Websites
We estimate that companies who place the focus of their website on the users, are going to be those that do best here. If it helps, think of your site as a product or service. You have to be as suited to your client’s needs as possible.13 – Monitor your progress
Google being a multinational firm, they could afford to designate an entire software system, specifically to help us monitor the performance of our pages. It’s called Core Web Vitals.The last thing we want you to take away with you today, is the knowledge of this software suite. Use it wisely, predict your problems, and never miss a page ranking again.
Featured illustration: Pch-vector / Freepik
