The delayed Google Core Web Vitals algorithm update has begun rolling out. And Web Design High Wycombe is here to explain what this means for website owners.
Every year, Google releases thousands of updates to improve how Google Search works. These updates enhance the search experience for users and ensure that only quality search results are returned.
Google’s aim is to only return the most useful results in response to a search query. And as a result of their system improvements over the past 5 years, they have decreased the number of irrelevant results by over 40%. The intention of an update is simply to make Google Search better. To ensure that we, as searchers, can find the content we are looking for easier and quicker. And for those people that only use Google for search, they will be oblivious to the updates that take place because Search simply gets a little better as they continue to deliver great results.
For website owners, news of a Core Update can create a feeling of dread. After all, these days we work hard on our search engine optimisation (SEO) campaigns to ensure our sites rank well in Google. A Core Update involves significant changes. Changes that will be noticeable for website owners and those carrying out SEO functions. But with the announcement of a Core Update also comes guidance to help site owners understand the changes and take action to make their sites successful across Search. Although, they offer no guarantees that following the advice will lead every page to rank for every query it wants to.
Changes, as a result of a Google update, are never due to something you have done wrong. The purpose is to improve the systems Google use to assess content and to better address the expectations of those searching the internet for answers.
Following a Core Update, web pages might perform less well than they did previously. This does not mean a site has violated Webmaster guidelines. Likewise, pages that previously performed poorly can rank better. Google likes to explain how it all works with the following analogy:
“Imagine that in 2015 you made a list of the top 100 movies. A few years later in 2019, you refresh the list. It’s going to naturally change. Some new and wonderful movies that never existed before will now be candidates for inclusion. You might also reassess some films and realise they deserved a higher place on the list than they had before. The list will change, and films previously higher on the list that move down aren’t bad. There are simply more deserving films that are coming before them.” – Google
Originally scheduled for May 2021, the delayed Google Core Web Vitals reportedly began rolling out on June 2nd. The implementation of this update will mean your website will now be evaluated and ranked based on page experience – that means, how visitors to your website interact with it. Specifically taking into consideration whether your website:
These new benchmarks will measure the user experience of websites across the net. They will take into account page loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. For success websites should:
Google offers lots of tools that can help you assess your website, to decide if it is as relevant and helpful as it can be for searchers. Following Google advice can help the search engine understand when they really have the most relevant and useful content to display. And this helps them to connect searchers to the right content creators.
So while a Google update might seem scary and detrimental to the health of your website, it’s really about keeping the focus on your target audience. This ensures you are creating the right content and making the window to your online store as friendly and welcoming as possible. If you follow the guidelines and maintain your site in line with Google’s actionable advice, you really shouldn’t have too much to worry about.
However, if your site is knocking on (over 3 years old), you probably need to look into having a health check. This will ascertain whether you need a rebuild or simply a redesign. Trends and techniques develop quickly in the web world. Staying on top of these will help you maintain your competitive advantage. Book in a consultation with Web Design High Wycombe for honest advice from the local web designers with the necessary know-how. Call us today on 01494 356 778 and set your business up for success with a stunning website from the best team in Bucks.