Google is constantly updating its search algorithm in an effort to provide the most relevant and useful results for its users. As a website owner or digital marketer, it’s important to stay up-to-date on these updates and understand how they may affect your website’s search engine rankings. In this blog post, we’ll discuss Google’s latest algorithm update and what you need to know.

What is Google’s latest algorithm update?

Google’s latest algorithm update, which was announced in June 2021 and rolled out in July, is called the Page Experience update. This update is designed to measure the user experience of a website based on several new factors, including Core Web Vitals, which assess page speed, interactivity, and visual stability, as well as existing factors such as mobile-friendliness, safe-browsing, HTTPS security, and intrusive interstitials.

Why is this update important?

The Page Experience update is important because it puts a greater emphasis on user experience, which is a crucial factor in determining a website’s search engine rankings. Websites that provide a positive user experience are more likely to rank higher in search results, which can lead to increased organic traffic and ultimately, more business.

What are the key elements of the Page Experience update?

The key elements of the Page Experience update include:

1. Core Web Vitals: As mentioned, Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics that measure page speed, interactivity, and visual stability. These metrics include Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).

2. Mobile-friendliness: Google has been prioritizing mobile-friendly websites for several years, and this update is no different. Websites that are optimized for mobile devices will continue to rank higher in search results.

3. Safe browsing: Google wants to ensure that its users are safe while browsing the web. Websites with security issues such as malware, phishing, or deceptive content may be penalized in search rankings.

4. HTTPS security: Websites that have an SSL certificate and use HTTPS encryption are more secure and provide a better user experience. This update will continue to prioritize secure websites.

5. Intrusive interstitials: Pop-ups or interstitials that interrupt the user experience may be penalized in search rankings. Websites should use interstitials sparingly and ensure they don’t disrupt the user experience.

How can you prepare for this update?

To prepare for the Page Experience update, website owners and digital marketers should focus on providing a positive user experience. This includes optimizing for Core Web Vitals, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, using HTTPS encryption, and avoiding intrusive interstitials.

To optimize for Core Web Vitals, website owners should:

• Reduce page load times
• Minimize the amount of JavaScript and CSS code on each page
• Optimize images and videos
• Prioritize above-the-fold content
• Use a content delivery network (CDN)
• Ensure servers are fast and responsive

Conclusion

Google’s latest algorithm update, the Page Experience update, puts a greater emphasis on user experience and factors such as Core Web Vitals, mobile-friendliness, safe browsing, HTTPS security, and intrusive interstitials. Website owners and digital marketers should focus on providing a positive user experience to improve their search engine rankings and ultimately, their business success. By optimizing for Core Web Vitals and implementing other best practices, you can prepare your website for this update and stay ahead of the competition.