Google Factors Site Speed Into Rankings

Google Factors Site Speed Into Rankings

Google has announced they’re adding site speed to their search ranking algorithms. This comes after some grumblings within Google last year to start counting site speed as a ranking factor. Based on Google’s own experiments with search results, they’ve determined that slowing page results by 100 to 400 milliseconds had an impact on the number of searches per user which ranged from -0.2% to -0.6%. While seemingly minor, this can obviously prove to negatively affect a site over time.

There are two ways in which Google will measure page speed: how the page responds to Googlebot and how the load time is measured by the Google Toolbar.  There is also a page speed report within the Webmasters Tools in Google labs, which was uploaded this past December. The report shows a site’s speed over time and offers suggestions on how to speed it up.

Google also has stated that site speed does not carry nearly as much weight as relevance of a page; quality of the page is still held with the highest regard. Currently, this new factor only affects less than 1% of results.

Considering that Google has added site speed while considering ranking, it is important to optimize sites to keep in line with the new algorithm. There are several ways in which a site speed can be improved:

Optimize images & image format

Optimizing images is an easy way to increase site speed. Image optimizing can be done in image editing program such as Photoshop. By using the correct image format (gif, jpg, and png) along with saving images specifically for the web, the file size of images can be reduced dramatically.

Optimize CSS

There are many ways to optimize a site’s CSS. Simple practices, such as using shorthand to define related properties using group selectors for elements with the same properties, and removing large amounts of blank space in a style sheet, can aid in optimizing CSS.

Minimize HTTP requests

This can be done by simplifying page design. Combining files is a great way to keep the page design simple by doing such things as combining all CSS into a single style sheet. Other techniques, such as using CSS sprites which compress a pages background images into one file, greatly reduce the number of requests as well.

Rebecca Margis

Rocket Clicks Staff

Sources:

Search Engine Land – Google Now Counts Site Speed as a Ranking Factor

Google Webmaster Central Blog – Using Site Speed in Web Search Ranking

Google Research Blog – Speed Matters

Clients We've Helped Grow:

Empowering Business Growth Online

Fill out the form below or call 262-437-2334

What Our Clients Have to Say

“We’ve improved in every industry-recognized metric since hiring them.”
VP of Digital StrategyOnline Travel Agency
“Rocket Clicks is persistent and always ahead of the curve.”
OwnerMulti-State Law Firm
“We value their results-driven mindset and the robust, detailed reports that match.”
Marketing ManagerFinancial Services Company
“Their accountability and expertise set them apart from similar vendors.”
VP of Marketing & CommunicationsBehavioral Health Organization
“Rocket Clicks successfully increased awareness of our services among our targeted audience.”
Marketing ManagerHealthcare Staffing Firm
“Their willingness to go the extra mile really sets them apart from anyone else in the field.”
OwnerLocal Law Firm
"We’ve seen an incredible turnaround in organic search, PPC inbound traffic, and leads."
VP of Marketing & BrandHealth & Self Care Company
"They take proactive steps to keep our projects on track and push us if necessary."
Loan ConsultantMortgage Banking Company
“Rocket Clicks has helped us use our resources wisely and get high-value donations.”
Marketing & Communications ManagerHomeownership Nonprofit
"As a result of our work with Rocket Clicks, we’ve seen a lift in all our online traffic and lead generation programs."
Global Marketing ManagerFinancial Planning Software
"Rocket Clicks brought down our cost per acquisition by over 30%."
Digital Marketing ManagerMedical eCommerce Website
"I don't think that we'd be in business without Rocket Clicks."
OwnerFurniture Retailer
"They stay up to date on all the changes in everything that goes on with Google and Bing."
OwnerCopper Product Retailer
"They really came alongside us as a team and are partners in our growth."
VPWhale Watching Business
"The Rocket Clicks team was very communicative and well organized."
Director of MarketingTalent Strategy Firm
“Rocket Clicks is worth the money for their SEO services.”
Global Marketing DirectorOrganization Design Firm
“We definitely get a return on what we invest with Rocket Clicks.”
PresidentReal Estate Brokerage Firm
“Their ability to adapt our program to analytical changes has been impressive.”
PresidentOnline Lighting Retailer
"The thing I am most impressed about Rocket Clicks is that they actually feel like an extension of our team."
CEOStamping Company
“Their passion and knowledge set them apart from others as well as their ability to understand our vision.”
Practice ManagerMedical Practice
Previous
Next
Facebook Certified Planning Professional
Bing Partner