In May 2020, Google announced an important update to the way websites will be ranked in search engines. The Page Experience update looks at how user-friendly websites are both on desktop and mobile platforms. Businesses have at least six months before the rollout of the new algorithm to make any necessary changes to their website and maintain or improve their Google search ranking.
Google ranks websites on the speed and loading times of pages and individual elements on a page, such as images or clickable links. This is still a major factor in the 2021 update. Quicker loading sites will achieve higher search engine rankings. Visual stability will also be important, so a smooth-loading website is desirable.
SimpleClick can assist businesses with both of these by undertaking a usability test and website audit. This will determine how quickly all aspects of a website load and what changes can be made to improve speeds.
Claire Thorpe, director at SimpleClick, comments: “It is great that Google has given us all plenty of time to prepare for this change. By identifying areas for improvement and implementing updates, you can ensure your website is optimised for the UX algorithm update. At SimpleClick we undertake research and perform rigorous testing of your website, meaning it will be in the best shape possible to rank highly under the 2021 UX algorithm once it is rolled out.
She continues: “A quick and smooth-loading website will provide your customers and clients with a good user experience, as well as help drive traffic to your site via a better search ranking.”
With at least six months to go before Google’s UX algorithm update, businesses can start to prepare their websites early so they are ready to go in 2021. SimpleClick recommends taking action to improve UX on your website now and get a head start over those who don’t take action.
