Site Speed: What SEOs Need to Know

TL;DR

Google experts discuss site speed's impact on SEO and measurement tools.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] JOHN MUELLER: Welcome, everyone, to a special episode of Ask Google Webmasters. Here today is Martin. MARTIN SPLITT: Hi, everyone. And this is John. JOHN MUELLER: Hi. Yeah, we're going to be answering questions on the topic of speed that were submitted with the #AskGoogleWebmasters on Twitter. So let's start off with a question from... Read More

Key Insights

• Google categorizes page speed into 'really good' and 'pretty bad' without a specific threshold, emphasizing user experience.
• Page speed data is derived from theoretical lab data and real user field data, similar to the Chrome User Experience Report.
• Different tools like Test My Site, GTmetrix, and PageSpeed Insights cater to various audiences and provide unique perspectives on site speed.
• Metrics such as FID, TTI, and FCI are crucial in understanding page speed, with each serving different purposes in user interaction.
• Scores from speed tools provide a general overview but lack detailed insights, necessitating a focus on specific metrics for improvement.
• There is no single number to define speed due to the variety of factors involved; it requires a comprehensive approach.
• Advanced users should focus on counting metrics and milliseconds, while others might benefit from a broader overview.
• Browsers are continuously improving to make speed measurement easier, but understanding what matters to your website and audience remains essential.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the ideal page speed for better ranking on Search?

Google does not provide a specific threshold for ideal page speed. Instead, they categorize pages as 'really good' or 'pretty bad' based on user experience. The focus should be on making sites fast for users rather than meeting a specific speed metric.

Q: What tools should be used to measure a website's mobile speed?

Google recommends using multiple tools to measure mobile speed, as they assess different aspects of performance. Test My Site is more high-level, GTmetrix is technical, and PageSpeed Insights is intermediate. Choose a tool based on the audience and the specific insights needed.

Q: Why do speed metrics vary for the same page and code?

Speed metrics can vary due to the inherent noise in measurements. Small variations in milliseconds are normal, and the focus should be on addressing perceptible issues rather than minor differences. Consistency across tests is important for reliable analysis.

Q: What are the best metrics to determine if a page is fast or slow?

The best metrics depend on the nature of the site. For content-heavy sites, FCP and FMP are crucial, while interactive applications should focus on metrics like FID and TTI. Scores provide a general overview but lack the detail needed for specific improvements.

Q: Why doesn't Google provide a simple speed score?

Speed involves multiple factors, making it difficult to condense into a single score. Different metrics assess various aspects of performance, and a comprehensive approach is necessary to understand and improve site speed effectively.

Q: Will understanding site speed become easier in the future?

While browsers are improving to make speed measurement easier, understanding site speed will always require a detailed approach. Users need to focus on what matters to their audience and site, considering both general scores and specific metrics.

Q: How should advanced users approach site speed measurement?

Advanced users should focus on detailed metrics, such as counting milliseconds and specific performance indicators, to gain a deeper understanding of site speed. This approach allows for targeted improvements and a more nuanced view of site performance.

Q: How can less technical users assess site speed effectively?

Less technical users can benefit from a broader overview of site speed, using general scores to gauge performance. They should focus on understanding the basic insights provided by tools and identify low-hanging fruit for improvement based on these assessments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In the episode, experts discuss how Google measures page speed using both lab data and real user data, emphasizing the importance of user experience over specific thresholds. They explain the role of various tools and metrics in assessing site speed.

• Different tools serve different purposes, with Test My Site, GTmetrix, and PageSpeed Insights offering varying levels of detail. The discussion highlights the importance of choosing the right tool based on the audience and the specific insights needed.

• The complexity of speed measurement is addressed, with an emphasis on the need for a comprehensive approach rather than relying on a single score. Advanced users are encouraged to focus on detailed metrics, while others should consider a broader perspective.