Google has recently released updated documentation on page experience signals for ranking clarification. The updated documentation focuses on how Core Web Vitals metrics are used as a ranking signal, while also clarifying that other page experience signals are not directly used for ranking purposes in Google Search.
In the updated documentation, Google emphasizes the importance of achieving good Core Web Vitals for success in search and to ensure a great user experience. However, it also advises website owners not to solely focus on achieving a perfect score for SEO reasons, as there are other important factors that contribute to a great page experience.
The documentation also states that beyond Core Web Vitals, other page experience aspects do not directly help websites rank higher in search results. However, they can make the website more satisfying to use, which aligns with what Google’s ranking systems seek to reward.
It is worth noting that Google’s ranking system considers Core Web Vitals as a lightweight signal compared to other ranking signals. While it is still important to improve page experience overall, it may be more beneficial for website owners to focus their SEO efforts on other areas before prioritizing Core Web Vitals.
The updated documentation aims to clarify the confusion caused by previous statements from Google regarding page experience as a ranking system versus a ranking signal. By providing more detailed information on how Core Web Vitals and other page experience signals are used in Google’s ranking system, website owners can better understand how to optimize their sites for search.
In addition to the updated documentation, Google’s Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, confirmed that page experience is considered a ranking signal but not a ranking system. This clarification further emphasizes the importance of understanding and optimizing for page experience signals.
Overall, website owners should strive to achieve good Core Web Vitals for both search success and a positive user experience. While other page experience signals may not directly impact rankings, they are still worth improving to create a more satisfying user experience. It is essential to consider all aspects of page experience and not solely focus on Core Web Vitals for SEO purposes.
