Google announced last year that they would be making an update to the core ranking factors of websites. Although Google is constantly updating its algorithm to better serve users, it is not often that Google announces a change to ranking factors or explicitly states the ranking factors.
With this in mind, let me give you a quick rundown of the current ranking factors, what will change with the update in May, and how to prepare for this update.
There are currently four explicitly stated experience ranking factors:
These factors affect the ranking of a website, as well as create a safer user experience. Each page of a website should be mobile-friendly and used efficiently across devices. They should have a secure connection (HTTPS) and not harm the user that is interacting with the website (safe browsing). The last factor, no intrusive interstitials, refers to annoying and often harmful pop-ups.
As they currently are, the above ranking factors are focused on the functionality and security of a website. However, there is more to a user’s interaction with websites than just function. Google has taken this into account with the new update they are rolling out in May.
The May update will focus on a user’s experience with a website, along with the functionality of the pages. There are three Core Web Vitals (CWV) that will be added to the known ranking factors: loading, interactivity, and visual stability.
Each of these factors measures the experience a user has when browsing through a website. If the page does not load quickly, users may leave before they read the content, even if the content is superb. If a user can’t click on buttons or interact with the page fast enough, it creates friction in the user experience and their ability to complete the desired task (i.e. purchasing an item). Lastly, if a user is trying to interact with the page but it moves when they click on the button, it can cause a frustrating experience. An excellent example of this can be seen here.
Currently, there are no clearly defined metrics that attempt to measure the experience a user has with a website and this is what Google is trying to change. User experience is extremely important to consider when optimizing a website, and there is more to consider than just speed. Creating the optimal experience for users will encourage them to return to your website, as well as provide the content they are searching for faster.
John Mueller has stated that the Core Web Vitals will use field data at the domain level (or with web page groupings) to establish ranking. Field data means that the rankings will be based on real site interactions rather than simulated interactions, like with lab data, and the algorithm will look at all pages users interact with (occasionally including noindexed pages). Looking at the CWV at a domain level means that Google will be analyzing the website as a whole, rather than on a page by page basis. This is due to some pages not having enough data points for Google to make an accurate ranking.
While Google is placing more focus on the user experience, this does not mean that content or other metrics will be ignored. All of the ranking factors, the new Core Web Vitals, links, and content will be considered by Google’s algorithm when ranking pages.
Additionally, Google is open to feedback about the CLS metric. You can read more about the developers plans for the metric and provide feedback on their solutions for potentially penalizing engaging pages. Two of the issues they are looking into are infinite scrolling pages that shift content or single application pages.
Google has announced they will roll out this update in May of 2021; this provides us with a little over two months to prepare and optimize websites. There are a variety of tools and common issues that we can analyze to make sure websites are ready for the update.
The following tools are listed by simplicity and ease of use, from the easiest first to the more developer-minded tools last:
Below are a few suggestions of where to start when preparing for the May 2021 update. They will be grouped by technical and content preparations.
script
tags to help with loading, which tells the browser to continue rendering other elements while loading the script in the background. Another option is to test pages with and without the scripts to see which scripts have a strong impact on LCP and CLS.Function | Example |
---|---|
srcset attribute | img src="small.jpg" alt="…" / |
rel=preload | link rel="preload" as="image" href="important.png" |
WebP Format | Download the precompiled cwebp conversion tool for Linux, Windows or Mac OS X. |
Using these functions together can increase the page load speed significantly.
Along with the CWV ranking factors and new tools, Google has also stated that excellent performing websites can be featured in top stories, regardless of AMP set up. This will be important to remember for any news-related websites or those trying to gain visibility through articles.
Additionally, there is the possibility of Google highlighting exceptionally performing websites in search results that can be monitored in Google Search Console. The new icon will look like this:
Screenshot from Peyman Khalili
This is something to keep in mind when reviewing featured snippets and how much of the SERP your website controls for a given query.
Google has not announced the exact date of the rollout or how large of an impact it will have on websites. However, with this advance notice and announcement of new ranking factors, we can prepare websites to perform to the best of their ability.