Google Search Central today announced an important change in their Search Console tool: the removal of the Page Experience report.

This decision has caught the attention of many website owners and SEO professionals. Below, we’ll break down what this change means and how it affects website management.

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What Was the Page Experience Report?

The Page Experience report was a feature in Google Search Console that provided an overview of a website’s page experience performance. It compiled data from the Core Web Vitals (CWV) and HTTPS reports, helping site owners understand how their pages fared in terms of user experience metrics like page speed, interactivity, and security.

Why Did Google Remove It?

According to Google Search Central post on LinkedIn, the move to remove the Page Experience report was made to reduce unnecessary clutter within Search Console. By streamlining this tool, Google aims to make navigation easier for users. The removal means that while the summary page for page experience data is gone, the core data sources—Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports—will remain available for users.

What This Change Means for You

The removal of the Page Experience report simplifies the Search Console layout but doesn’t eliminate the need to track page performance. Website owners and SEO professionals should continue to prioritize user experience, focusing on the following aspects:

• Core Web Vitals (CWV): These metrics assess crucial parts of page performance, including loading speed (Largest Contentful Paint), Interaction to Next Paint (INP), and visual stability (Cumulative Layout Shift). They help you understand if your pages offer a smooth and efficient experience.
• HTTPS Reports: Ensuring that your site is secured with HTTPS remains essential for user trust and ranking benefits.

How to Monitor Page Experience Now

Even without the Page Experience report, website owners can still monitor and enhance page performance effectively:

1. Core Web Vitals Report: This report will continue to provide valuable insights into page speed and interactivity. Regularly checking this data will help you identify areas that need improvement.
2. HTTPS Report: This report ensures that your pages meet security standards. Maintaining a fully secure site contributes to user trust and search rankings.
3. Third-Party Tools: Tools like PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse can complement your analysis by providing detailed reports on user experience and performance.

Best Practices Moving Forward

To maintain a high standard for user experience, consider these practices:

• Regularly Audit Your Site’s Performance: Use Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights to monitor and optimize your website’s speed and interactivity.
• Focus on Mobile Experience: With a significant portion of traffic coming from mobile users, ensure that your site is responsive and performs well on all devices.
• Optimize HTTPS Implementation: Check your site’s HTTPS setup to prevent potential issues that could affect security and user experience.

While it may seem like a significant change, the removal of the Page Experience report is part of Google’s effort to simplify tools and provide a more straightforward user experience. The essential data from Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports will still be accessible, allowing website owners to continue optimizing their sites effectively.

By focusing on the key metrics provided by these reports, you can maintain and improve your site’s performance, ensuring a positive user experience.