Google launched the page experience update in June 2021. This algorithmic change prioritizes user experience as an important ranking factor. This update, which combines Core Website Vitals with mobile-friendliness and HTTPS security guidelines as well as intrusive, interstitial guidelines, has reshaped SEO strategy globally. Mastering these metrics will be a must-have for search ranking dominance by 2024.
This explains the Google Page Experience Update and offers actionable steps for optimizing UX, boosting Core Web Vitals, and future-proofing your SEO.
What is the Google Page Experience update?
The page experience update is a Google algorithm improvement that evaluates the way users interact with a website. It was introduced in 2021 and integrates a number of UX factors into the ranking process, such as:
- Core web vitals: speed, responsiveness, and visual stability.
- Mobile Friendly: Responsive Design and Mobile Usability.
- HTTPS for secure browsing.
- Safe browsing: no malware or misleading content.
- Avoid intrusive interstitials.
Google has confirmed that this update will affect all platforms and prioritize sites with seamless, secure, engaging experiences.
Core Web Vitals: The Heart of Page Experience
1. The Largest Containful Paint (LCP),
- Measurement: Performance of loading (target: less than 2.5 seconds).
- Tips for Optimization
- Images/videos can be compressed.
- Use a Content Delivery Network.
- Eliminate render-blocking JavaScript.
2. First input Delay (FID),
- Measurements: Interactiveness (target: less than 100 milliseconds).
- Tips for Optimization
- JavaScript-based scripts can be executed faster.
- Browser caching is a great way to save time.
- Refuse to read noncritical scripts.
3. Cumulative layout shift (CLS),
- Measures: visual stability (target: >=0.1).
- Tips for Optimization
- Specify image/video dimensions.
- Use the reserved space to place ads and embeds.
- Do not inject dynamic content above the existing content.
These metrics can be tracked using tools like Google Search Engine.
How the Page Experience Update Impacts SEO
SEO: Pre-Update and Post-Update
| Factor | Pre-Update | Post-Update |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Backlinks and keywords | UX + Technical Performance |
| Mobile Optimization | Alternatives to the Standard Option | Mandatory Mobile-first Indexing |
| Ranking signals | The 200+ Factor | Prioritizing Core Web Vitals |
Industries Most Affected
- Ecommerce: Product pages that are slow lose visibility.
- Media/Publishing: Ads with high CLS hurt ranking.
- Local Business: Bad mobile UX reduces “near me traffic.”
Optimizing for the Page Experience Update
1. Enhance Core Web Vitals
- PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse are alternatives to audit performance.
- Lazy load Media: Delay images and videos.
- Preconnection to Third Parties: Accelerate external resource loading.
2. Improve Mobile UX
- Responsive design: ensure seamless functionality across devices.
- Accelerated mobile pages (AMP) implement critical pages.
- Thumb Friendly Navigation: Simple menus to suit mobile users.
3. Protect Your Site
- Upgrade to HTTPSÂ Use free SSL Certificates (e.g. Let’s Encrypt).
- Resolve mixed content issues Replace HTTP resources by HTTPS
4. Avoid Intrusive Pop-Ups
- Place Consent Banners sparingly
- Delay Pop-Ups: Trigger after user engagement.
Monitoring & Reporting Page Experience
1. Google Search Console
- Core Website Vitals Report identifies URLs that fail LCP, FLID, or CLS.
- Mobile usability report: fix mobile errors such as small text and unplayable content.
2. Tools from Third Parties
- Track rankings fluctuations.
- Ahrefs: Audit backlinks impacting site authority.
3. User Comments
- Heatmaps: Use Hotjar for visualizing clicks/scrolls.
- Surveys: Collect direct UX feedback.
Case Studies: Page Experience Success Stories
Case Study: E-commerce site boosts conversions
Problem A fashion retailer had product pages with a LCP of 4.88s and a 70% bounce rate.
Solution:
- Compressed hero images.
- Shopify plugins that are no longer needed will be removed.
- Implemented lazy loading.
Results LCP has improved from 1.9s to 1.9s and conversions have increased by 35%.
Case Study: News Portal Reducing CLS
Problem: Articles with a high amount of advertising had a CLS value below 0.25. This caused rankings to fall.
Solution:
- Advertisements with reserved placeholders.
- Sticky sidebar advertisements have been switched on.
Results. CLS decreased to 0.05 and organic traffic increased 20%.
FAQs About the Page Experience Update
1. What is the impact of Page Experience on mobile rankings vs. desktop ranking?
Mobile-First Indexing is the focus of this update. The mobile UX is crucial.
2. How can I improve my Core Web Vitals if they are low?
Unlikely. Google gives priority to sites that pass Core Web Vitals thresholds. Use SEO ranking checking tools for monitoring progress.
3. Do intrusive interstitials harm SEO?
Users are frustrated by pop-ups that cover content, which increases bounce rates. Avoid penalties by following Google’s guidelines.
4. Does HTTPS become mandatory after an update?
Yes! HTTPS has become a standard ranking signal. Learn more about it in our Website Authority Guide.
5. What is the recovery time from Page Experience penalties?
3–6 months, depending on fixes. Regularly audit using competitor analysis tools.
Conclusion
The Google Page experience update rewards websites that prioritize user satisfaction by focusing on speed, security, and seamless interaction. You can achieve top rankings by mastering Core Web Vitals and optimizing your mobile UX.
Explore our guides to learn more about Google’s mobile-first indexing and Google core updates.
If you wish to read more information on how to increase traffic to the website, just check on the Ranksmagzine or contact me here.
