Page Experience Update

The Page Experience Update, introduced by Google in June 2021, is a search algorithm change focused on enhancing website evaluations based on user experience (UX). This update evaluates web page quality based on a set of metrics, particularly including Core Web Vitals.

Key Features of the Page Experience Update

  1. Core Web Vitals:

    • LCP (Largest Contentful Paint):

      Measures the time it takes for the main content to fully display.

    • FID (First Input Delay):

      Measures the response time when a user first interacts with the page.

    • CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift):

      Measures the degree of unexpected layout shifts during page load.

  2. Mobile-Friendly:

    • Ensures pages display and operate comfortably on mobile devices.

  3. Security:

    • Ensures pages are served over HTTPS.

  4. Comfortable Viewing Without Intrusive Interstitials:

    • Ensures ads and pop-ups do not interfere with user experience.

  5. Safe Browsing:

    • Ensures pages are free from malware, phishing, and other harmful content.

Impact of the Page Experience Update

  1. Search Ranking Fluctuations:

    • Websites with improved user experience evaluations may see an increase in search rankings, while those with lower evaluations may experience a decline.

  2. Importance of Website Optimization:

    • Optimizing elements that affect user experience, such as page load speed, mobile compatibility, and security, becomes more crucial.

  3. Improved User Engagement:

    • Providing a high-quality user experience increases visitor satisfaction and engagement, leading to longer site visits and higher conversion rates.

Measures to Respond to the Page Experience Update

Optimizing Core Web Vitals:

  • LCP:

    Optimize images and reduce server response times to ensure main content displays quickly.

  • FID:

    Optimize JavaScript and reduce main thread workload to ensure quick response to user interactions.

  • CLS:

    Specify sizes for images and ads to prevent layout shifts.

Mobile-Friendly Design:

  • Adopt responsive design, optimize tap target spacing, and adjust text size for mobile users.

Implementing HTTPS:

  • Transition the entire site to HTTPS to protect user data and enhance reliability.

Managing Interstitials:

  • Place ads and pop-ups appropriately to avoid disrupting the user’s browsing experience.

Ensuring Safe Browsing:

  • Regularly check and confirm the site is free from malware and phishing threats, and conduct periodic security checks.

Practical Examples of the Page Experience Update

E-commerce Sites:

  • Improve LCP by optimizing product images and reducing server response times. Optimize FID to ensure quick responses during the purchase process.

Blog Sites:

  • Optimize images and videos to ensure content displays quickly and is provided in a readable format. Mobile-friendly design is also crucial.

Corporate Sites:

  • Optimize service introduction pages and contact forms for smooth display and operation. Implementing HTTPS and ensuring security are also essential.

The Page Experience Update is an algorithm change that emphasizes user experience. By responding to this update, websites can improve their search rankings and user satisfaction.

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