How to prepare for Google’s algorithm update in May 2021

Google’s algorithm update – how to prepare

Find out how to prepare for Google’s algorithm update in May 2021

Google Algorithm Update

Google constantly embraces new ways to make user’ experience better, this means regular updates concerning how they intend to give users what they want. Google’s latest algorithm update is set to take effect in May 2021. Google has already confirmed this release so in this update we focus on a factor called Page Experience.

This factor will significantly impact ranking, and all website owners need to prepare for this update to rank high on Google’s result page. With the launch of Google’s algorithm update, they are also set to launch Core Web Vital. These core web vitals are a series of markers that Google intends to use for measuring and enhancing their user’s experience on websites.

To prepare for the algorithm update in May, it is important to understand what the page experience is and how it will affect your Google ranking.

What is page experience?

Google Algorithm Update

Page Experiance & why is important

Page experience involves all elements related to how users interact with a web page. Generally, it measures how good or bad users find a webpage. The elements involved in page experience includes some existing Google signals like HTTPS, intrusive interstitials, mobile-friendliness, and safe browsing.

Page experience also factors in the web vitals introduced by Google include page loading time, visual stability and interactivity.

Page loading time

This factor measures the load speed of a page. It measures the time required for the main content of a page to load. Longer load times can significantly increase your page bounce rate.

Interactivity

This factor focuses on the time needed for users to interact with a page. It is the time required for the browser to process a click to when the user can interact with the page.

Visual stability

Visual stability of the page is how long it takes for the features in a page to become stable. It aims to prevent continuous page movement, which users find annoying.

Page experience visual indicator

The May update by Google will introduce visual indicators to rank search results and benefit sites that have all the features that enhance page experience. Google has implemented similar ranking factors in the past, negatively labelling slow sites and those that are not mobile-friendly.

With Google’s visual indicators on web pages, users are more likely to click the labelled pages for what they need. Although Google is yet to announce how they would display these visual indicators, they have taken the labelling seriously and this can significantly affect click-through rates (CTR).

Even with the focus on a better page experience, it is still important to create exceptional content on your page. This will also impact ranking because Google also prioritises giving users useful information.

User Experience with web designs trends in 2021

Preparing for Google’s May algorithm update

For you to adequately prepare for the algorithm update, you should consider the following.

You need to understand the metrics Google will use for ranking. These metrics include first input display (FID), largest contentful paint (LCP), cumulative layout shift (CLS). Google has provided information about the measurements of these metrics.

With the understanding of these metrics, you can audit your website, then optimise your site to meet the required standard, such as mobile friendliness, responsiveness, page load speed, security and user experience. Different tools are available to audit your site, such as Google’s online mobile-friendly test.

You can also get an Experienced SEO, IT and UX team to work on your site and perform the necessary updates to improve your site’s page experience.

How to improve your page experience

Following the SEO tips below will help improve your page experience and increase the chances of ranking higher on the result page even when Google implements the algorithm update.

Optimise for mobile-friendliness

Over the past few years, mobile devices have accounted for over 50% of searches and is growing every year. This statistic shows that most people use their mobile devices for online searches, and Google now ranks the mobile version of sites, which makes your site’s mobile-friendliness an important factor.

You can make your site mobile-friendly by reducing the number of redirects and codes and taking advantage of browser caching. Ensure your webpage is attractive on smaller screens and structure the site to fit mobile devices.

Optimise your page speed

Google released an update that sites taking more than a second to load have a 70% lower conversion rate. You can optimise your site speed by reducing the HTTP request because the more components on a page, the longer it takes for it to load.

You can combine files on the page to reduce the loading time. You may also want to consider asynchronous files loading because they help speed up loading. Check the JavaScript loading, server response time, caching, compression and optimise image size.

Include alt text for images

Compressing images on your page shortens loading time, but you also need to consider using alt text. The alt text is in HTML code and describes the function of an image and its appearance. The alt text of an image can describe the image, so users can understand its purpose if the image doesn’t load. Ensure the alt text description is short and has the keyword, as this can increase organic search clicks.

Include different CTAs

Different factors, asides from load speed and improved page experience, can affect your conversion rate and interaction. Your call to actions (CTAs) also affects CTR and conversion. Your CTA encourages people to take action while getting the information they need on your page. The CTA may spur your reader to subscribe, purchase a product or even book an appointment.

It is important to realise that CTAs can come in different forms, and you have to customise yours to fit what your readers need at every point. Ensure the CTA is clear, specific and short. You should also include what they can gain by engaging the CTA properly designed and positioned in the right spot.

Conclusion

The Google algorithm update aims to make users happier and give the users what they want, so basically you should focus on optimising your page to provide a better user experience. In optimising your site, consider the Google core web vitals.

Regardless of enhanced page experience, you also need informative and engaging content to keep users on your page. When you have the right content, you can focus on optimising your page for Google’s algorithm.

Importance to keep up with the webdesign trends in 2021

Google-Algorithm-Update
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