What to Know:
– Google’s John Mueller recently answered a question about the SEO impact of making UI and UX changes to a website.
– Mueller stated that making changes to a website’s design can potentially have a negative impact on its search rankings.
– He advised website owners to be cautious when making changes and to monitor the impact on their search rankings.
– Mueller also mentioned that it’s important to consider the user experience when making changes to a website’s design.
– He recommended conducting user testing and gathering feedback to ensure that the changes are beneficial for users.
The Full Story:
Google’s John Mueller recently addressed a question about the SEO impact of making UI and UX changes to a website. In a Google Webmaster Central hangout, Mueller stated that making changes to a website’s design can potentially have a negative impact on its search rankings.
Mueller advised website owners to be cautious when making changes to their websites and to monitor the impact on their search rankings. He mentioned that sometimes, even small changes can have a significant impact on a website’s visibility in search results.
According to Mueller, when making changes to a website’s design, it’s important to consider the user experience. He recommended conducting user testing and gathering feedback to ensure that the changes are beneficial for users. Mueller emphasized that a good user experience can indirectly impact a website’s search rankings.
Mueller also mentioned that it’s important to have a plan in place when making changes to a website’s design. He advised website owners to have a backup plan in case the changes have a negative impact on their search rankings. This could involve reverting back to the previous design or implementing additional changes to improve the website’s visibility in search results.
In addition, Mueller highlighted the importance of monitoring the impact of design changes on a website’s search rankings. He recommended using tools like Google Search Console to track changes in search visibility and to identify any potential issues that may arise.
Mueller’s advice aligns with Google’s focus on providing a good user experience. Google has stated that it takes into account factors like page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and ease of navigation when determining search rankings. Therefore, making changes to a website’s design that improve the user experience can indirectly benefit its search rankings.
However, it’s important to note that Mueller’s comments do not mean that all UI and UX changes will have a negative impact on search rankings. It depends on the specific changes made and how they affect the overall user experience. Some changes may have a positive impact on search rankings if they improve the website’s usability and engagement.
In conclusion, making UI and UX changes to a website can potentially have a negative impact on its search rankings. Website owners should be cautious when making changes and monitor the impact on their search visibility. It’s important to consider the user experience and conduct user testing to ensure that the changes are beneficial for users. Having a backup plan and monitoring the impact of design changes are also recommended. Ultimately, providing a good user experience can indirectly benefit a website’s search rankings.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-its-easy-to-mess-up-a-site-revamp/504966/