Google algorithm update – July

It has undoubtedly been a busy summer for webmasters trying to cope with the algorithm updates that Google has been handing out since the end of May. Before these rollouts began, Google measured user experience by mobile-friendliness, safe-browsing, HTTPS security and intrusive interstitial guidelines. While those factors are still important, the two-part Google Page User algorithm added at least three new metrics that webmasters need to focus on.

Largest Contentful Paint

The largest contentful paint measures the amount of time that it takes the most important content on your website to load. You need a load time of less than 2.5 seconds. Various factors can influence load time, including compressing large images, eliminating third-party scripts, securing sufficient web hosting services and creating an order where your most essential content loads first.

First Input Delay

The first input delay measures the time between the user clicking on a clickable object on your website and the website’s response. This score will be created only for pages where user input is needed, so pages like your blog will not have a score. Ideally, Google wants to see this measurement at 100 milliseconds or less. Improve this score by taking a look at your JavaScript. Eliminate JavaScript where possible and break large chunks into smaller pieces.

Cumulative Layout Shift

Cumulative layout shift measures how much images and other items move around on the page as it loads. A score of less than .1 is acceptable. Ensure that all images, ads and embedded elements have set dimensions. Ensure that you have reserved enough space for ads and images and that your web fonts display correctly. Furthermore, make sure that dynamically injected content loads below existing content.

Google Link Spam Update

While webmasters were still trying to cope with the impacts of the Google Page User update, the company began rolling out a Google Spam Update on July 23. Google announced this update by reminding people who are using affiliate links to qualify them with rel=”sponsored” in the code. Google also reminded webmasters that it was vital when monetizing their sites by using guests posts to code them appropriately. The best way to create links is to build good content. Then, natural links to that content will occur.

Especially with Page User Update, it may be difficult for small-and-mid-sized businesses to have the expertise to fix problems. We would love to be of assistance to you during that process.

Resources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2021/07/08/key-things-to-know-about-googles-2021-page-experience-update/?sh=133bf81f68c2
https://yoast.com/page-experience-google-ranking-factor/
https://www.semrush.com/blog/google-july-2021-core-update/
https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2021/07/link-tagging-and-link-spam-update
https://www.seroundtable.com/google-link-spam-update-31820.html