Introduction

Google has recently introduced an update to the Google Search Console (GSC) reports, focusing on user experience. This update emphasizes the importance of page speed, usability, core web vitals, and mobile usage. Website owners now have access to a dedicated section in GSC that allows them to track and improve their page experience and core web vitals. In this article, we will explore this new section and provide insights on how to optimize your website's user experience.

Understanding the User Experience Section

When you log in to your Google Search Console, you may notice an alert indicating the availability of the new user experience report. In your GSC dashboard, you'll find an area dedicated to user experience, along with a corresponding section on the left side menu. Let's delve into this section and make sense of its components.

Analyzing Page Usability

One of the key aspects of user experience is page usability. The user experience section provides valuable insights into the usability of your website's pages. For example, you may see a report indicating that you have 14 pages with usability issues. By opening this report, you can identify which pages are affected and evaluate the severity of the problems.

Fixing Usability Issues

When you discover pages with usability issues, it's important to prioritize their resolution. Pages marked in red require immediate attention, especially if they are essential for your website's performance and rankings. If a page is no longer important, you can perform a 301 redirect to direct users to a more relevant page while preserving the SEO strength. For pages that are significant to your website, you must address the usability issues promptly.

Diagnosing and Resolving Issues

The user experience report might provide cryptic messages, such as "clickable element too close together," without offering detailed explanations. In such cases, it's beneficial to search for these issues on Google. You'll find articles that explain the problems and offer guidance on how to fix them. Simple issues like adjusting font size can be resolved easily. However, for more complex issues that require coding or design changes, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a freelancer or web developer.

Validating Fixes

Once you have implemented the necessary fixes, you can use the "validate fix" feature in the user experience section. This allows you to check if Google recognizes that the issues have been resolved. It provides confirmation that the fixes are effective and your website's user experience has improved.

Understanding Core Web Vitals

The user experience section also covers core web vitals, focusing on metrics such as Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures page loading speed. By expanding the details section, you can identify pages with poor core web vital scores. Additionally, you can run these pages through PageSpeed Insights, accessible from the user experience section, to gain further insights into the issues affecting them.

Improving Mobile Usability

Mobile usability is another critical aspect of user experience. The user experience section of GSC highlights any errors or issues related to mobile usability. By addressing these errors, you ensure a smooth and enjoyable mobile browsing experience for your users.

Prioritizing Fixes

The information provided in the user experience section gives you valuable insights into what needs to be fixed and the priority of each issue. By understanding what's wrong, you can focus your efforts on resolving these issues, eliminating potential barriers to your website's success.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the user experience section in Google Search Console, website owners gain valuable insights into page experience and core web vitals. By addressing usability issues, optimizing core web vitals, and improving mobile usability, you can enhance the overall user experience of your website. Prioritizing fixes based on the severity of the issues will help you optimize your website's performance and rankings. By utilizing the information provided in the user experience section of GSC, you can take proactive steps to improve your website's user experience and overall SEO.

Remember, user experience plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining visitors to your site. By addressing usability issues, optimizing core web vitals, and enhancing mobile usability, you create a positive browsing experience for your users. This, in turn, can lead to increased engagement, longer visit durations, and higher conversion rates.

Regularly monitoring the user experience section of GSC is essential for staying updated on any new issues that may arise. By staying proactive and addressing these issues promptly, you can maintain a website that consistently delivers a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

In conclusion, the user experience section of Google Search Console provides valuable insights into the usability and performance of your website. By utilizing the data and recommendations provided, you can optimize your site's user experience, improve core web vitals, and ensure mobile-friendliness. By doing so, you enhance your website's overall performance, rankings, and ultimately, the satisfaction of your visitors. Take advantage of the tools and resources available to you and make user experience a priority in your SEO strategy.