Google recently announced a new Page Experience ranking algorithm that is going to be pushed live in 2021.

In simple terms, Google is letting all businesses know in advance that If the website user experience is below par, it simply won’t be ranked as highly as today.

What is the new Google Page Experience Ranking Algorithm?

In 2021, Google is essentially going to refine the metrics that deal with website usability and website speed. The page experience algorithm in simple terms will try to understand how visitors to your website perceive it. It will review how quickly web pages loads, how well the pages are displayed on mobiles and it will take into consideration how ads (if any) are shown on the page.

Although some of the factors included within the new algorithm update are already part of Google’s algorithms, it appears that Google may be pulling the various factors to form one algorithm. The factors will include:

• HTTPS – ensuring that your website is secure with an up to date security certificate.

• Safe browsing – making sure that your site is not compromised by malicious software.

• Mobile Friendly – website content changes size to fit user screens without reducing the amount of content.

• Page speed –website pages should load in less than 2.5 seconds.

• Intrusive interstitials – this refers to pop-ups that take up too much of the screen on a mobile device unless it is a cookie policy.

When will the Page Experience Ranking Algorithm be live?

According to Google, the ranking changes will not happen before 2021 and Google have advised that they will provide at least six months’ notice before rolling it out.

However, Google were also keen to note that great content will still be the most important ranking factor. Google stated in a recent announcement that:

‘’A good page experience doesn’t override having great, relevant content. However, in cases where there are multiple pages that have similar content, page experience becomes much more important for visibility in Search.”

How can you prepare for the Page Experience Ranking Algorithm update?

If you need help to start addressing the user experience on your current website or are looking to create a new website in order to start building better rankings on Google and other search engines, why not get in touch with our dedicated website development team today to discuss how FCDM can take your business to new heights!