Google’s Ultimate Goal is a User-First Index

Over the past 10+ years, dozens of SEO gurus have pontificated about Google rankings factors and ‘what does Google’s algorithm really want?’. There’s lots of conversation right now around voice search and Google being an “answer engine” not a search engine. The most astutue point to the original “I’m Feeling Lucky” feature to show that Google always wanted, from the beginning, to give the user exactly what they wanted as quickly and easily as possible.

Now, with the launch of the “mobile-first index” and much more focus being given to user experience on mobile devices over the past couple years, it’s more and more clear that Google just wants to give users what they want. They want their index to be “user-first”. They also want to avoid allowing anyone to manipulate their algorithm and tamper with their pursuit of perfect user experience.

It’s also clear that user experience is absolutely a crucial factor in Google’s algorithm. That said, at least Google provides some awesome tools and resources to help webmasters to improve user experience metrics:

Chrome User Experience Report
The specifics on defining “user-centric performance metrics”

Completely quoting Google here:

“The core foundations of a delightful web experience are…

•  Fast – It respond quickly to user interactions with silky smooth animations and no janky scrolling.
•  Integrated – The user doesn’t have to reach through the browser, it uses the full capabilities of the device to create an experience true to the device.
•  Reliable – Load instantly and reliably, never showing the downasaur, even in uncertain network conditions.
•  Engaging – Keeps the user coming back to the app with beautifully designed experiences that look and feel natural.”

And again, quoting Google 100% word-for-word:

“When a user navigates to a web page, they’re typically looking for visual feedback to reassure them that everything is going to work as expected.”