Not too long ago, Google announced that they will be introducing a new ranking algorithm that puts User Experience (or UX) into the equation starting around 2021. This is because of the influx of users relying on e-commerce websites due to COVID. Despite storefronts slowly re-opening, there are predictions regarding a 18% rise of online shopping and that will remain high in both the number of digital buyers, as well as average spending per buyer. One major contributor to this increase is that the pandemic gave new shoppers ages 65 and older a reason to shop online the first time. This accounts for a 12.2% growth for online shoppers ages 65 and older.
In case you’re not too familiar, Google has website analytic software called the “Google Page Experience” which essentially analyzes websites for specific key points regarding performance. It’s usually referred to as Web Vitals, which essentially dictates things such as the perceived load speed of a site, user responsiveness and how quickly the user can control the site, and visual stability to ensure there are no unexpected shifts or changes in webpage content. Thus, introduces the new update, which introduces a few more questions to the equation, as well as specify old rules. The list is as follows:
- Is it mobile-friendly?
- Does it load quickly?
- Does it run on HTTPS?
- Are there intrusive ads present?
- Does content jump around as the page is loading?
Google hopes that with the analytics and SEO tools, they will be able to deliver and promote the websites that are easier to use for the user. Not only is having a UX friendly site good for SEO and increase conversations up to 400%, it also simply gives users more reason to enjoy the website with an easier and more approachable design naturally.
At Surf Your Name, we always strive to keep up with modern web trends, as not only is it imperative for us, but imperative to all our clients considering how important maintaining a digital presence is. We focus on all the details to make websites modern and SEO optimized, whether it’s additional nuances like designing our sites with a Mobile-First Mindset, or carefully utilizing the white space in a website, and many more. That’s what makes us the best, so if you want to make that old website modernized utilizing the new technologies, or even need a website to begin with, contact us!
If you aren’t keeping your website updated and performing to the highest standards, you cannot expect to keep users pushed to your website from the Google Search Results. Don’t risk a drop in website visitors because your website isn’t up to the new standards. We’re your first step to keeping up with Google’s updates and providing the best UX possible!
Give us a call at 910-452-6345 and find out how we can help you get the best performing website possible for your business!
