Google Search Console Finally Drops The Page Experience Report

Google has officially removed the Page Experience Report from Google Search Console, marking the end of an era for webmasters who relied on this tool to measure their site’s adherence to Google’s page experience signals. While this decision may come as a surprise to some, it aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline its tools and resources, encouraging users to rely on broader, more robust platforms like Lighthouse. Let’s dive into the history of the Page Experience Report, why Google decided to retire it, and what this change means for website owners and SEO professionals.

The History of the Page Experience Report

The Page Experience Report was first introduced in April 2021 as part of Google’s initiative to emphasize page experience signals in search rankings. Initially, it focused on mobile pages, reflecting the growing importance of mobile usability in search algorithms.

In January 2022, Google expanded the report to include desktop pages, aligning with the rollout of the desktop version of the Page Experience algorithm. This addition allowed webmasters to monitor the performance of users across both platforms, providing a comprehensive overview of their site’s usability and user experience metrics.

Fast forward to 2024, Google has now retired this tool, stating that it will be replaced with a general guidance page-on-page experience. According to Danny Sullivan, Google’s Public Liaison for Search, this shift reflects Google’s evolving approach to page experience optimization.

What is the Page Experience Report?

The Page Experience Report was designed to measure how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page. It incorporated the following key metrics:

• Core Web Vitals:
  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures loading performance.
  • First Input Delay (FID): Assesses interactivity.
  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Tracks visual stability.
• Mobile Usability:
  • Ensured pages were optimized for mobile devices.
• HTTPS Security:
  • Checked if the website was served securely over HTTPS.
• Intrusive Interstitials:
  • Ensured that ads or pop-ups didn’t interfere with the user experience.

This report became a cornerstone for understanding how well a website aligned with Google’s Page Experience signals, which directly impacted search rankings.

Why is Google Dropping the Page Experience Report?

Google’s decision to retire the Page Experience Report is part of a broader trend of simplifying and consolidating its tools and resources. Here are the main reasons behind this move:

• The Emergence of Alternative Tools: Google has noted that tools like Lighthouse and PageSpeed Insights provide more robust and detailed insights for evaluating page experience. These tools offer developers and SEOs actionable recommendations without relying solely on the Search Console.
• Shift in Focus to General Guidance: Google’s blog post and Danny Sullivan’s announcement emphasized that page experience remains critical but is now part of a broader framework of best practices. The updated page experience guidance is intended to provide overarching principles rather than granular reports.
• Streamlining Google Search Console: Over time, Search Console has accumulated a variety of features and reports. By removing outdated or redundant tools, Google aims to make the platform more focused and user-friendly.
• Decline in Report Usage: Google has not explicitly stated this, but the removal of older tools often reflects declining usage. With more developers and SEOs relying on advanced resources outside the Search Console, the Page Experience Report may have seen reduced relevance.

Other Changes in Google Search Console

The removal of the Page Experience Report is not an isolated event. In recent months, Google has also retired several other tools and reports, including:

• Mobile Usability Report: Launched in 2016, this report was a go-to resource for checking mobile-friendly design issues. It was removed in December 2023. Google stated that mobile usability remains important, but tools like Lighthouse provide more comprehensive evaluations.
• Mobile-Friendly Test Tool and API: Also introduced in 2016, these tools helped developers assess the mobile compatibility of their websites. Their functionalities have largely been absorbed by Lighthouse.

Google’s decision to sunset these tools reflects a significant shift in how the company expects webmasters and developers to evaluate site performance.

What Does This Mean for SEOs and Website Owners?

The retirement of the Page Experience Report and other related tools may feel like a loss, but it also presents an opportunity to explore more advanced and versatile resources. Here’s what SEOs and website owners should do moving forward:

• Embrace Lighthouse and PageSpeed Insights: Lighthouse, available in Chrome DevTools, provides detailed audits for page experience, covering Core Web Vitals, performance, accessibility, and SEO. It’s more granular and developer-focused compared to the now-retired tools.
• Focus on Holistic Page Experience Optimization: With Google shifting to general guidance, it’s important to think beyond metrics and adopt a user-first approach. Prioritize fast load times, mobile-friendliness, secure connections, and seamless navigation.
• Monitor Core Web Vitals Closely: Although the Page Experience Report is gone, Core Web Vitals remain an important ranking factor. Use tools like Lighthouse and third-party platforms to ensure your site performs well in these areas.
• Stay Updated on Google’s Guidelines: Google’s page experience guidance will now serve as the primary resource for optimizing user experience. Make it a point to review this documentation regularly and stay informed about algorithm updates.
• Leverage Third-Party Tools: Many third-party platforms, such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Screaming Frog, offer detailed insights into technical SEO and page experience. These tools can complement Google’s resources, providing a broader perspective.

The Future of Page Experience Optimization

While the Page Experience Report’s removal might seem like a step back, it signals a shift toward more sophisticated tools and techniques. Google’s emphasis on general guidance encourages webmasters to adopt a holistic approach, focusing on delivering the best possible experience to users.

Page experience optimization will remain a key factor in search rankings, even if it’s not directly tied to a specific report in the Search Console. By embracing tools like Lighthouse, staying informed about Core Web Vitals, and following Google’s updated guidelines, SEOs and website owners can ensure their sites continue to perform well in search results.

Take Action to Optimize Your Website – Contact Us Today!

The retirement of the Page Experience Report from Google Search Console marks a significant change, but it’s far from the end of page experience optimization. Google’s focus on general guidance and robust external tools like Lighthouse provide webmasters with the flexibility and resources needed to adapt to this new era.

If you need expert guidance to enhance your website’s performance and SEO, contact Attorney Marketing Network today to ensure your site thrives in the evolving digital landscape. Let’s help you stay ahead!