Site Speed – A Factor in Google Algorithm

Just 2 years after introducing Landing Page Impact on AdWords Quality Score, Google just announced that they are now using site speed as a factor in their search ranking algorithm.

Currently, website speed does not have a huge impact on the ranking and still site relevance and backlinks are more important factors in SEO; however, this is another factor that search engine optimization experts need to take into consideration.

You can use tools such as Firebug Firefox add-on, Yahoo’s YSlow tool or Google Webmaster tools to monitor and improve your site’s speed.

Google Webmaster Tools - Site Load Time

Some techniques that you can take to improve your website’s speed are:

• Optimize web graphics
• Reduce the file sizes
• Compress JavaScript
• Reduce CSS size
• Utilize HTTP caching
• Minimize browser reflow
• Reduce HTML document size by eliminating optional elements
• Use fewer redirects

By speeding up your site, not only you may help your SEO efforts and search ranking but also you can potentially improve user experience, average time on your site as well as conversion rate.

Related posts:

1. How to Generate XML Sitemap for Your Web Site In my earlier on XML Sitemap, I explained how you...
2. Yahoo Search – Site Explorer Yahoo Search rolled out its Site Explorer tool. It allows...
3. Web Site Usability: To Blink or To Think, That is the Question! I don’t know if you have ever read the book...
4. Google Instant Previews – Impact on SEO and PPC? As a quest to provide its audience with a better...

Filed Under: Search Engine Optimization • SEO