Page Experience

What is Page Experience?

Page Experience is a ranking factor introduced by Google that has been evaluating the performance and user experience of websites since May 2021. The aim is to assess the quality of a website from the user's perspective and to ensure that websites are not only visually appealing but also technically optimized.

Several metrics are used to measure website performance. The key metrics include Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)which reduces the loading time of the largest visible Content-element, First Input Delay (FID)which measures the time until the first browser reaction after a user interaction, and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)which evaluates visual stability during loading. Each of these metrics helps to evaluate the overall user experience.

In addition to these core metrics, the Page Experience also factors such as the security of the website (safe browsing), the use of HTTPS and the mobile-friendliness of the site. Websites that contain excessive or annoying interstitials are also rated negatively. This comprehensive Evaluation of the Page Experience is intended to ensure that websites are not only fast and secure, but also optimized for mobile devices and designed to be user-friendly.

Measuring the page experience

The Measurement of the Page Experience is based on various metrics that evaluate the performance and user experience of a website. One important metric is the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)which measures the time until the largest visible content element is fully loaded. According to Google, this value should be less than 2.5 seconds to ensure an optimal user experience.

Another important indicator is the First Input Delay (FID)which measures the time between the first user interaction and the browser's response. A good FID value is less than 100 milliseconds. This metric plays a particularly important role in interactive content and ensures that users can interact with the website quickly.

The visual stability of a website is determined by the Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) evaluated. This measures the cumulative layout shifts when the page is loaded. A CLS value below 0.1 is considered ideal in order to minimize disruptive layout changes and offer a consistent user experience. These metrics are central components of the so-called "Core Web Vitals", which Google uses to evaluate the Page Experience can be used.

In addition, elements such as Safe Browsing, HTTPS and Mobile Friendliness in the overall rating. Safe Browsing checks the security of the website by looking for malware and other security risks. HTTPS ensures that the website is SSL-encrypted, which protects data transmission and generates trust among users. Mobile-friendliness evaluates the user-friendliness and accessibility of the website on mobile devices.

Another aspect is the avoidance of disturbing interstitials. This Pop-ups or ads can significantly impair the user experience if they hinder or delay access to the actual content. Overall, the systematic measurement of these factors enables a comprehensive analysis and optimization of the Page Experienceto ensure the long-term User Experience and SEO performance.

Reasons for optimization

The Optimization of the Page Experience offers several advantages that can have a direct impact on the success of a website. One of the main reasons for optimization is to improve rankings in Google's search results. Websites that have a better Page Experience tend to rank higher in the search results. This increases visibility and can lead to higher visitor numbers.

An improved Page Experience also has a positive effect on the Conversion Rate from. Fast loading times and a stable, user-friendly design ensure that visitors stay on the website longer and are more willing to make purchases or carry out other desired actions. This can significantly increase sales or the achievement of business goals.

In addition to the direct effects on SEO and conversion rates, an optimized Page Experience also to a better Customer satisfaction with. Users who have a positive experience on the website are more likely to visit the website again in the future and recommend it to others. This can strengthen loyalty and trust in the brand.

Another advantage is the Compliance with safety standards. By implementing HTTPS and safe browsing measures, the website becomes more secure and protects user data. This builds trust and reduces security risks that could damage the reputation of the website or the company.

Tools for optimizing the page experience

For the optimization of the Page Experience there are a variety of tools available that specifically analyze and improve various aspects of website performance. One of the most important tools is the Google Search Consolewhich offers a whole range of functions. These include "Fetch as Google" for page analysis from the perspective of the Search Engine, Reports on Crawling-errors and mobile usability as well as the "Rich Results Test" for checking structured data.

Another useful tool is Google PageSpeed Insights. It provides detailed suggestions for improving load times and core web vitals. By analyzing metrics such as LCP, FID and CLS, precise optimizations can be made to improve the overall web experience. Page Experience to improve. PageSpeed Insights evaluates performance for both mobile and desktop devices, enabling comprehensive optimization.

The Chrome User Experience Report provides real user data collected in Chrome. This makes it possible to draw an accurate picture of the user experience and identify specific weaknesses. Such real data is particularly valuable as it reflects actual performance and user behavior.

Another helpful tool is Google Lighthousean open source tool that performs in-depth performance reviews and offers concrete suggestions for improvement. Lighthouse analyzes various areas such as performance, accessibility, SEO and best practices, and provides comprehensive reports that can serve as a basis for improvement.

Influence of the page experience

The Page Experience has a significant influence on the positioning of websites in search results and therefore also on their visibility and success. As a new ranking factor from Google, which has been used since May 2021, it complements classic SEO elements such as high-quality Content and Backlinks. It serves as a signal to Webmasterto consider the importance of user satisfaction and technical performance and to optimize accordingly.

A good value in the metrics of the Page Experience - such as load time, interactivity and visual stability - can have a direct impact on user behavior. Visitors who experience a website as fast and stable are more likely to stay on the page longer, reducing the bounce rate. This in turn can have a positive impact on search result rankings, as Google uses such user signals as indicators of a website's quality.

The Page Experience is only one of many ranking factors. Even if a website performs excellently in this respect, excellent Content and high-quality Backlinks continues to be essential for a good Ranking. The introduction of the Page Experience however, shows that Google is placing greater emphasis on the overall quality of the user experience. In the long term, an optimized Page Experience trust of users and can thus contribute to sustainable growth in website traffic.

After all, the Page Experience also helps to identify and eliminate technical weaknesses that could affect user satisfaction. By regularly evaluating and adapting to technical developments, the performance of the website remains at a high level. This not only ensures more satisfied users, but also better positioning and higher competitiveness in search results.