5 Ranking Factors in the Google Page Experience Algorithm
5 Ranking Factors in The New Google Page Experience
If you were not already aware….Google has rolled out the fully baked Page Experience ranking factors for your website.
Google has made this move because the most important criteria they use for ranking search results is a site's delicious relevancy to a searcher's query.
So, what can you do to ensure your site satisfies Google’s taste buds?
Well there are 5 essential ingredients to keep in mind when creating or modifying your site's recipe for Google’s enjoyment. Some will be easy to do, others may be a bit more complicated, however try to mix as many as possible into your recipe.
1. Mobile First Design – The Icing on the Cake!
Google has been using mobile-first indexing as a ranking factor for a few years now. Mobile first means your site has been designed to be easy to scroll, view and use on a mobile device.
Not to be confused with “Responsive Design”, Mobile-first means you can adjust your site to show a different and tastier experience on mobile vs a desktop. These two platforms can require different content and flow.
2. Page speed – How Fast Can You Bake?
Jeff Bezos understands that every second of load time delay costs him billions of dollars in sales.
This is because people want things fast and they want them now. If your site takes more than a few seconds to deliver its tasty content, the user will leave and look for a better cake elsewhere.
Google has also been using page speed as part of its mobile first ranking factor, but as of this year, it will be given even more weight as part of the page experience ranking factor.
Check your website by using
Google Page Speed Insights to see how sweet your site speed is and how well your website performs.
3. HTTPS – Lock Your Pantry
Ensure your site is properly secured for users by ensuring it is encrypted. Often referred to as an SSL certificate.
You will know if your site is as locked up as a pretzel when you see the lock icon to the left of your domain name like below.
4. Accessibility – Make Your Kitchen Easy To Use For everyone
Accessible sites are becoming more and more prevalent. Ensure your website is designed and adjustable to those with disabilities.
Allow users to change font size and manipulate navigation so that your website is easy for ‘readers’ to read for visually impaired users.
Not only is making your site accessible becoming mandated, it is also the
right thing to do.
5. User experience – Avoid the Sprinkles doughnut
Be careful with your use of popups, overlays and accordions. Nothing is more annoying to a user than constantly closing windows or having to excessively click around your site. Keep it simple and easy to navigate.
Also ensure that your site pages are stable and do not not jump around as it loads. As you can see in the example below slow loading can cause users to click buttons potentially buying sourdough when they wanted cinnamon danish.
In Summary…
Take a close look at the ingredients that contribute to a great user experience on your website, like :
- Easy to read and useful current content
- A well organized and accessible website
- Mobile first design
- No intrusive pop-ups
- Stable Loading without jumping around
- SSL Encryption
- A Website designed according to your users needs
Content will always be king in Google’s eyes as it strives to deliver the information a user is searching for. However, how that information is delivered will become more and more important in your search ranking results.
Keep Baking!
Let's Improve Your Ranking Today!
No project is too large or small for Piece of Cake Digital Marketing, which has over two decades of internet experience. This dedicated team of professional online strategists, designers, programmers, SEO specialists and SEM marketers is extremely passionate about empowering their clients to prosper!
Roger van Maris,
(647) 405-8579
