Google announced a massive core algorithm update throughout July 2021 that will change how Google reads and ranks your website. They began rolling out the core algorithm update already on June 2nd.

Many websites aren’t caught up to these new Google standards, making them see a significant drop in their page ranking. Here’s everything you need to know about this website update.

What Are Google’s Three New Core Web Vitals?

Now more than ever, Google is prioritizing its users above all else. Even if you have a stunning website with loads of Javascript and animated features, if it isn’t user-friendly, it isn’t going to rank well. Here are three main core web vitals that go into this algorithm update.

Load Time of Your Site or Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

When it comes to keeping a user on your site, every second counts. To maximize traffic, Google recommends your website takes less than two seconds to load – for both a desktop and mobile device. You can reduce this load time by compressing your site images, removing unused Javascript, and more!

Check the load time of your website with PageSpeed Insights, and note optimization measures for your brand.

Website Interactivity or First Input Delay (FID)

FID refers to how long it takes for a user to interact with your website. Whether they click a link in your navigation menu or fill out a form, your site visitors must engage with your web content. Make sure when a user clicks on a website feature, something helpful or exciting happens (no one likes a broken link!).

Visual Stability of Your Site’s Content or Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

It can be frustrating when you click a button, and another element loads, making you click something completely different. This final core web vital ensures all of your features load simultaneously or makes sure the most significant parts load first.

Remember to Still Create Quality Content

Always remember: never stop creating quality content. It could be the reason you rank first or last on the Google SERP. 

Let's put this into perspective. Say your competitor utilizes great Core Web Vitals and publishes website updates just as frequently as you. On paper, it seems you are at a standstill with your target audience. However, that is not the case necessarily! Whoever's site has better quality will draw in viewership and rank better on Google.

The Most Important Takeaways of the Google Algorithm Update

When someone does an online search, they want to find their answer quickly and easily. Because Google wants to give users the best experience, they will rank their most user-friendly websites highest.

To best accommodate online visitors, look at your website as if it were the first time. Does each page tell you what it’s about right away? Is its keyword density the best it can be? Think about these questions as you run through your site when adapting to Google’s latest algorithm update.

Who Can Help Make Sure My Website Isn’t Negatively Affected by the Updates?

Need professional help in building your website? Contact Social Stamina! Our experts will fine-tune your brand, increase your following, and create a growing online network. For more social media marketing tips and tricks, check out our blog!