The latest Google algorithm update aims to deliver the best quality and most accurate results for people searching via Google.
While the Google algorithm is constantly being updated and refined, in June 2021 the search engine began rolling out significant changes they’ve named Core Web Vitals, which is changing search engine marketing.
The Google algorithm is actually a collective group of small algorithms, all used to rate websites and determine their search ranking.
The Google algorithm update comprises new elements introduced into the algorithm to deliver the best quality and most accurate results for people searching via Google.
Google algorithm update: What are Core Web Vitals?
There are three components that make up the Core Web Vitals of the algorithm: LCP, FID and CLS.
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measures the amount of time it takes for a web page’s largest image or text box to load. It’s based on the assumption that the largest item on the page is the most important to the person reading it. Ideally, a page’s LCP should be no greater than 2.5 seconds.
The Core Web Vital sign for interactivity is called First Input Delay (FID). FID measures how quickly users are able to engage with a webpage’s content – it’s that amount of time between when a user clicks on a webpage and when they are actually able to interact with it.
The Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) is a measurement of how much the web page elements jump around on a web page as the page is loading. The ideal result is to have a page that downloads and is stable from the moment the site visitor views it.
It’s pretty simple to check how your website’s Core Web Vitals are performing. Google has added a specific Core Web Vitals section to their Google Search Console, which is the easiest way to review it. Using this function, you can implement changes to your website, and monitor the increase (or decrease) in your website’s search strength.
How does the Google algorithm update help businesses?
Understanding the Google algorithm update can put businesses a step ahead of their competitors who may not.
Knowing what ranks a website high in search, marketing professionals are best able to incorporate it into their website design and functionality, as well as their content strategy.
The flow-on effect of the Google algorithm update is that businesses end up with a website that is not only more searchable but is easier for visitors to interact with.
While web developers and digital marketers are always kept on their feet meeting the ever-changing Google algorithm updates, the truth is, Google and the businesses relying on it share the same goal.
Google wants an algorithm that matches the best results to searches, and digital marketers also want people who are searching for their clients, or the products and services they offer, to find what they are looking for quickly and efficiently.
When Google does its job well, we all benefit.