Google has recently announced its plan to modify the algorithm starting from 2021 by incorporating user experience as a ranking factor for search results. In this article, you will discover the essence of this update and learn how to adequately prepare yourself to ensure your website maintains a high position in search rankings.
What changes are happening to the Google algorithm?
Starting from 2021, Google will be incorporating user experience into its algorithm. This means considering how users interact with a website. Having a positive experience across different web browsers and devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobiles will become even more crucial.
How can you ensure a good user experience?
The faster the website loads, the better the user experience. It is recommended to have a loading time of under three seconds for both desktop and mobile.
Make sure all the links on your website are working and directing users to the correct pages. If you have any buttons that lead to non-functioning pages, Google will penalize you, resulting in lower search rankings.
In the competition for the number one position in Google search results, it is advisable to thoroughly analyze your own website and also see how your competitors are doing. What are they doing well in terms of user-friendliness that you can learn from?
Heatmaps allow you to easily see how your website is being used and identify potential user issues. With tools like Hotjar, you can analyze up to three pages for free, so start with your most visited pages. Heatmaps show where users click on the page, where their mouse hovers, and how far they scroll. This information can provide valuable insights.
Here is an example of what a heatmap looks like for us:
The update
The 2021 update may seem far off, but Google made this announcement early for a reason. Ensuring a good user experience takes time and effort.
Of course, the goal is not just to satisfy Google, but to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience to your website visitors.
Keep up the good work! If you need any assistance, feel free to ask us.