Google rolled out a significant change as a part of their page experience ranking algorithm in June 2021. From the release of the Core Web Vitals and the page experience algorithm, (Accelerated Mobile Pages) AMP Pages no longer have any preferential treatment in Google’s search results, Top Stories carousel, and Google News. Google will even remove the AMP badge icon from the Google search results. Now You can safely ignore Google AMP when building a more diverse and more exciting web without any artificial restrictions set by the tech giant.
AMP Pages no longer required to rank:
The Top Stories carousel feature on Google Search will be updated to include all news content. This means that using the AMP format is no longer required and that any page, irrespective of its Core Web Vitals score or page experience status, will be eligible to appear in the Top Stories carousel.
We’re also bringing a similar update to the Google News App, a key destination for users around the world to get a comprehensive view of the important news of the day. As part of the page experience update, we’re expanding the usage of non-AMP content to power the core experience on news.google.com and in the Google News app. Additionally, we will no longer show the AMP badge icon to indicate AMP content. Google Siad.
OK here is the first non-AMP listing I have seen in the Top Stories carousel on mobile (now that AMP isn’t a requirement). Note, covid was an exception for Google (announced last year). This article is about NCAA athletes & scholarships. So it’s legit non-AMP in the carousel! 🙂 pic.twitter.com/4LkmQ4cBht
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) June 21, 2021
Google stated in 2016 that only AMP sites will be displayed in the Google mobile version of top stories in Search. Last May 2021, Google allowed some local news sources to avoid this restriction for COVID-19-related content. Google AMP Pages no longer required for the top stories news section now that the Page Experience is available. All you have to do is make sure your pages score high in terms of Page Experience, but AMP isn’t required.
Benefits of AMP Pages
The implementation of AMP technology offers several benefits for website owners and users alike. Some notable advantages include:
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Improved Page Load Times: By optimizing for speed, AMP pages provide users with near-instantaneous access to content, reducing bounce rates and improving engagement.
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Enhanced Mobile Experience: AMP is primarily focused on enhancing the mobile browsing experience. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, having mobile-optimized pages can greatly benefit businesses and users on-the-go.
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Increased Visibility: Google often prioritizes AMP pages in search results, displaying a lightning bolt symbol next to the search snippet. This enhanced visibility can lead to higher click-through rates and improved organic traffic.
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Consistent Performance: The standardized structure of AMP pages ensures consistent performance across various devices and platforms, eliminating compatibility issues and providing a seamless user experience.
AMP Pages vs Normal Pages?: Understanding the Difference
In today’s digital landscape, the speed at which web pages load plays a crucial role in user experience and website performance. Slow-loading pages often lead to higher bounce rates and reduced conversions. To address this issue, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) technology was introduced. In this article, we will explore the difference between AMP pages and normal pages, their benefits, and how they impact user experience.
What are AMP Pages?
AMP, short for Accelerated Mobile Pages, is an open-source framework developed by Google in collaboration with other tech companies. It aims to provide a faster and more streamlined browsing experience on mobile devices. AMP pages are lightweight versions of regular webpages, optimized for speed and quick loading.
Normal Pages
Normal pages, also known as traditional or standard webpages, are conventional HTML-based webpages that have been in use for years. These pages can vary in terms of design, content, and loading times. While normal pages offer flexibility in terms of customization and interactivity, they may not always prioritize speed and efficiency.
Key Differences
The main difference between AMP pages and normal pages lies in their approach to loading and rendering content. Here are some key distinctions:
- Page Loading Speed: AMP pages are designed to load almost instantaneously, delivering content to users within a blink of an eye. On the other hand, normal pages may take longer to load due to their larger file sizes and complex elements.
- Code Complexity: AMP pages follow a strict set of guidelines and restrictions, allowing only specific HTML, CSS, and JavaScript components. This streamlined code structure eliminates unnecessary scripts and ensures faster rendering. In contrast, normal pages can include any HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, allowing for greater customization but potentially sacrificing loading speed.
- Caching: AMP pages leverage advanced caching techniques to pre-render content and store it closer to the user’s device. This caching mechanism significantly reduces the time required to fetch and display the page. Normal pages typically rely on traditional caching methods, which may not offer the same level of optimization.
- Third-Party Content: AMP pages prioritize the loading of primary content before third-party elements, such as advertisements or external scripts. This ensures that the core content is readily available to users, even if the additional components take longer to load. Normal pages do not enforce such prioritization, potentially leading to delays in content visibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AMP pages offer a solution for improving webpage loading speed and user experience, especially on mobile devices. With their streamlined code structure, prioritized content rendering, and advanced caching techniques, AMP pages provide near-instantaneous access to information while maintaining a friendly and engaging browsing experience. Implementing AMP can positively impact SEO, increase visibility in search results, and contribute to higher user engagement and conversion rates. Consider adopting AMP technology to provide a faster and more optimized experience for your website visitors.
