Google set out yet another update to their ever-growing and ever-changing algorithm. This new element, called Page Experience, will be a part of the ranking system and largely affect site owners. The update is meant to provide consumers with faster speed, immediate access, and high-quality content for both mobile and desktop. An update like this only means that business and site owners must learn the factors and signals the algorithm uses and alter their existing SEO strategies to meet those needs.
What is a Google Core Update
A Google core update is any update, alteration, or change in Google’s first initial algorithm, referred to as the “core.” An algorithm is a complex system in which data is analyzed through a variety of factors, delivering an instant set of results. Google uses this ever-changing algorithm to rank websites on their relevance, timeliness, authority, and many other factors. It is crucial that site owners stay aware of these updates and continually alter their strategies in order to maintain a high ranking.
May’s Page Experience Update
May’s Page Experience is the newest update to be released by mid-May. Page experience consists of a few factors: Google Search signals, web vitals, user interaction, loading speed, and visual stability.
Google Search Signals
Google Search signals refer to measures that are assessed to rank a site. Search signals include, but are not limited to, mobile-friendliness, safe-browsing, HTTPS, and intrusive interstitial guidelines (or easily accessible content). Search signals also include trust signals or online elements that demonstrate authenticity and trustworthiness. Trust signals can be a logo, symbol, or stamp that provides an instant indication of trusts, such as McAfee or VISA.
Web Vitals
As part of the update, Google initiated a new measure called Core Web Vitals, a subset of web vitals that makes it easier for site owners to meet required metrics and perform well. Core web vitals determine the utmost important aspects a site should focus on to provide a good user experience. The three core web vitals in May’s Page Experience update are loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
Loading Speed
Loading speed refers to the time it takes to reach the main content on a given page. Research conducted by Google has shown that consumers are 123% more likely to leave a site in up to ten seconds and 32% in up to three! The new algorithm expects sites to completely load within 2.5 seconds to provide consumers with a good page experience.
User Interaction
Interactivity refers to the time it takes for a site to respond to a user’s activity on a page. For example, how long it takes to load a new page after the user clicks or taps a button. User-centric performance metrics analyze user interactions that determine a well-performing site. Important user interactivity metrics include perceived load speed, load responsiveness, runtime responsiveness, visual stability, and smoothness.
Visual Stability
The final component in the Page Experience update refers to the stability of visual elements on a site. A high-ranking site will have no pop-ups or movement on the page and strategically placed CTAs, or call to action. Visual stability provides users with a pleasant experience and prevents distraction, annoyance, and frustration. It also assesses the amount of visually appealing content and its location on a given page; the update requires that the most important content be given prominence and placed at the top of each webpage.
Content is King
Content remains the single most important factor when it comes to ranking and performance. Although the Page Experience update is all about the interior workings of the website, these metrics are taken into consideration along with Google’s Core update, which always favors content above all else. Content must be relevant, timely, authentic, and accurate to rank well for certain keywords and topics that come up in search results. A site that is fast, user-friendly, and visually appealing may not rank as highly without good-quality content. At Doctor Genius, content is our top priority. Our content, marketing, and production teams work together to analyze Google’s ever-changing algorithm and implement the metrics required for clients to outrank their competitors.
Boosting Page Experience
Optimizing a site and enhancing user experience to adhere to the new update involves four key steps: going mobile, improving page speeds, separating CTAs, and using Alt text for images.
- Going mobile: Google’s algorithm primarily uses mobile versions of sites for ranking and is optimized for mobile devices by reducing code, redirects, and browser caching. A mobile-friendly site is well-structured, simple, and appealing while viewed on a small screen.
- Improving page speeds: Pages with fewer than 3 seconds loading speed rank highest. Load speed can improve by combining files to minimize HTTP requests and checking on the site’s JavaScript loading, server response time, compression, caching, and image file sizes.
- Separating CTAs: Call to actions appear on almost all web pages and are requests from the user to perform a certain action, usually through the click of a button. CTAs should be simple, clear, beneficial, and visually appealing. They should also be strategically placed, not scattered across the page.
- Using Alt Text for images: The Alt text refers to descriptions of image appearance and function on a page. It is controlled by an HTML code and displayed on the site where an image should be in case the image is not loading. Alt text should be short, simple, and contain a keyword.
Doctor Genius’s Implemented Strategies.
We have stayed ahead of the curve by optimizing all of our clients’ sites for mobile, creating safe search, browsing, and site navigation, improving site load speeds, eliminating distractions, and writing original authentic content that always wins out. Keeping up to date on all of Google’s perspective updates and implementing these strategies well in advance allows us to maintain our clients’ performance and keep them in high ranking. Our clients’ sites are free of ads and distracting material and impacted with insightful, valuable, and informative content. These important components lower the impact that this update will have on most other non-medical businesses.
Learn More About Our Services
At Doctor Genius, we do the work so clients can focus on running their practice. We can help you understand how SEO plays a large part in high-ranking and, in turn, higher consumer engagement and increased revenue. Keeping up with Google’s constantly changing algorithm helps our clients stay relevant, perform well, rank highly, and maintain their standing. Learn more about our various packages and how we can optimize your site. Sign up for our demo or call us today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Doctor Genius, located at 16800 Aston Street, Suite 270, Irvine, CA 92606, provides a range of services for practice success. We seek to meet our clients’ needs by providing a variety of marketing, SEO, practice optimization tools, and coaching to transform the healthcare experience. Though we work to provide the most accurate information, the content found on this website is solely intended for entertainment purposes. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the information provided is entirely correct. You may not use the information on this site to cure, prevent, or diagnose a perceived medical issue. If you have healthcare-related needs, please speak directly to a healthcare professional. Never self-perform medical treatments discussed on this website. All images displayed are also for entertainment purposes only, and personal experiences may differ. Please note that the business tactics mentioned on this site might not be applicable to your industry or practice.
