How does page load speed affect search rankings?
Asked on Oct 12, 2025
Answer
Page load speed is a critical factor in search rankings because it directly impacts user experience and is a component of Google's Core Web Vitals. Faster loading pages are more likely to rank higher as they provide a better user experience.
Example Concept: Page load speed affects search rankings by influencing user engagement metrics such as bounce rate and time on site. Google considers these metrics as part of its ranking algorithm, rewarding faster sites with better visibility in search results.
Additional Comment:
- Page speed is part of the Core Web Vitals, which include metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
- Improving server response times, optimizing images, and leveraging browser caching are common methods to enhance page speed.
- Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help diagnose and suggest improvements for page load speed.
- Fast-loading pages contribute to lower bounce rates and higher user satisfaction, which can indirectly boost rankings.
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