Google has started to think like a human being, it would take inputs, analyze and deliver the most suitable results for a given query. And that’s the process which really helps end-users to find relevant results even when the query doesn’t contain accurate keywords.
Google search updates are moving rapidly, and even sometimes when you have optimized for the most recent update another one comes, and that defines the world of search engine.
Online businesses put a lot of effort to get good rank on search engine result pages. However, it’s not about how much you work or amount of time you spend for a project. I see SEO has evolved to betterment, online search results are getting more user centric.
Working with a search engine is not easy, PPC is comparatively not that tough and you don’t have to think about programming login there. Just set a keyword budget, bidding strategy and it’s all. Google’s smart algorithm will do the remaining part – it’s a paid service. But same is not the case with organic search. As a webmaster you really need to focus more on web pages.
First, you need to be sure that what your offerings are to the audience, the page must speak for itself that would help Google to identify domain expertise and according to it your page would get some space on search result pages.
These are just introductory paragraphs that most digital marketers already know. Now, let’s understand Google’s core web vitals in a brief.
Google Core Web Vitals Update
Core Web Vitals is a section in Google search central which tells you about the overall website health in terms of page speed, mobile usability and UI/UX. Page speed insight tool was introduced few years ago and good pages speed score was recommended by Google then.
The core web vitals update is going to shuffle organic search in a big way. Although, it is nothing new, Google had made these recommendations 3 years ago, but as usual most website owners were waiting for official Google update regarding to it. That’s just basic human nature!
Google May 2021 update focus on website navigation on different platforms and devices. It doesn’t matter whether users is accessing your digital place from desktop, mobile or tablet, the overall website navigation should be easy and quick.
The Google update mostly focuses on the following factors,
How you get your website visitors?
This combines off-page and on-page SEO, adding some technical aspects along that defines the core part of Google search May 2021 update.
At the earlier stage, Google used to identify web pages through exact match, then it was able to identify synonymous, today it’s even better with AI integration Google search can now identify the users search intent.
Search intent combines search query + recent device activity + location and bunch of other factors. So, webmasters need to move beyond keywords to create comprehensive content for the end-users, and not for Google.
Page speed
Google page speed tool helps to measure the speed website response to browser activity. It contains many parameters to evaluate overall website performance.
Google categorizes web pages into three categories based for Desktop and Mobile devices. It would state which page needs improvements to perform better on Google.
Mobile devices
This is not new, but one of the most important factors that directly affects Google search rank. As most users are using Google more on mobile devices often, it’s necessary to optimize a website for mobile devices.
Mobile usability factor was introduced many years ago and somehow it affects mobile search results. The entire Core web vitals update is mostly about mobile search domain, and less about the desktop search.
Webpage Layout
It’s important to assemble website display blocks that adjust according to the display. Website fonts, buttons, panels and scrolling are important factors of overall page layout. Good page layout can improve CTA events that helps to achieve high conversions.
So, overall you see the update is more about the how users interact with the website and how to make it better.
Website navigation
Website navigation is the entire journey of a user on a website right from the first landing on page to exit. You provide meaning for website navigation that’s the whole purpose of domain creation. It means that whenever a user visits a webpage there should be no confusion, the pages should be linked with all related pages to help the user learn more about the product or services. This way will be able to maximize CTA event conversions.
A set of Google users and your targeted audience is the same for a search event. Google’s goal is to deliver the best possible result on a given search query and that’s not just about keywords.
Google would analyze websites based on domain authority, content quality and accuracy. If your website is matching the set criteria for page indexing then it will automatically fetch Google rank on the search result page.
Structured Data
Structured data is the very powerful search tool that highlights accurate answers to Google query in structured format which is easy to read and understand.
These data comes from different websites, Google will analyze millions of pages to find the most suitable answer for a query.
If your web pages has schema tags then, it could give positive signals to google. As Google has been enabled to read schema data, optimized web pages do stand apart at the top of search results sometime.
Google Voice Search
Google voice search is a significant factor in organic search. A user can get efficient results through AI search which is better for local SEO. So, now the website owners should focus more on smart content optimization, need to create diverse content which can explain the business products and services.
Almost a decade ago, the most websites used to keep it around keywords you know marketers would stuff keywords into content, generate backlinks and repeat. Today, that’s not enough, in fact the same could invite Google search panetly/ manual action.
Google voice is very convent way to explore web which is replacing the conventional web search practices. Google voice is integrated with machine learning that enables users to find most suitable answers. So, the website owners need to consider Google voice search and create dynamic content to maximize the potential of this feature.
How to be prepared for the Google May 2021 update?
It’s not rocket science, Google has already provided clear indications for May 2021 update. These search factors were already introduced years ago, and the update was also expected. However, there are few steps that could help to prepare for the latest Google search update.
Check Core Web Vitals section Search Central
You can find all core web vitals factors under this section. It displays all existing errors and you can generate reports based on it. Once you get the reports, go through each and start working upon.
These recommendations are mostly technical so you may have to discuss with the in-house team of developers, and find the best suitable way to resolve it.
Content Audit
Consider yourself a neutral visitor then go through your website pages. See if content is appropriate as per your business services or products. As the new core web vitals update has been combined with Google’s UX update. The combination is considered one of the biggest updates in a decade.
Mostly, it only affects mobile search, but a business cannot neglect mobile searchers. Content audit is necessary to be prepared for Google’s update coming algorithm update.
Website Design
Website design is all the end-user would see, as they will never get to know the codes and logic you put at the backend. Website design is not a ranking factor, but overall visitor experience is one of them. Check competitors’ websites, look for the scope to make further improvements.
Visitors should have a clear idea about your products or services or whatever is the purpose of the website. It helps to reduce average web page duration and increase web page interactivity.
It is good that websites owners already know much about the update that would benefit. Early preparation can help to build a better website