Google Page Experience Update Coming Later Than Planned

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Adna Tuzlak
May 26, 2021 2 min read
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The Google page experience update set to launch in May this year will be rolling out later after all. Google will be setting the wheels in motion for this new search engine ranking factor in June, with a full rollout completing in August.  


When exactly can you expect the update? 

The page experience update was originally meant to arrive this May, but it was postponed until next month. An exact launch date has not been specified yet, but Google has stated that the plan is to begin a gradual rollout in the middle of June. 

More precisely, instead of taking full effect immediately, the new ranking factor will be implemented slowly over a period of approximately two months. The process is thus intended to be finalised at some point in August.  


What changes are coming with the update? 

Aside from the new Core Web Vitals set of metrics we’ve discussed previously, the page experience update also brings a change to Google News and the “Top stories” carousel feature within Google Search.  

Namely, using the AMP format (Accelerated Mobile Pages) will no longer be a requirement for websites to rank in the “Top stories” carousel. That means any page will be eligible to appear in the carousel, regardless of its page experience score, as long as all Google News policies are followed. In addition, the AMP badge icon indicating AMP content will be removed.  


Will mobile and desktop search results be affected differently by the update? 

The Google page experience update was originally thought to affect mobile search results only. However, it was revealed by Jeffrey Jose, a Google Product Manager, that the new ranking factor will apply both to mobile and desktop, albeit not at the same time. As confirmed by Google’s Martin Splitt as well, the update will launch for mobile first. 

Furthermore, mobile and desktop pages will be evaluated separately by Google. So, if a website fulfils page experience requirements on mobile, but not desktop, it receives only a boost in rankings on mobile searches. Naturally, in the same way, if it meets page experience criteria on desktop, but not mobile, it will rank higher only in desktop search results.  


The bottom line  

Though few specifics are available, it’s safe to say that this gradual rollout is good news in two ways. On the one hand, Google can keep an eye on the update more easily and swiftly solve any unforeseen problems, and on the other, website owners have more time to gear up for and adjust to the upcoming changes. What’s more, there’s no need to worry if your desktop page isn’t ready by mid-June, as applying changes to mobile pages will take precedence.  

In order to be fully prepared, make sure to follow our previous advice on getting ready for the Google page experience update, and feel free to reach out to us! Digital agency GRM Digital have a team of experts that are here to help you make the most of your online brand through consultancy and various digital services

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Written by Adna Tuzlak

Content Creator