Google SEO Update in March 2023: What You Need to Know as an SEO Agency

Google is known for regularly updating its search algorithms to improve the user experience and provide more relevant search results. In March 2023, Google released a major update to its search algorithm that has significant implications for website owners and SEO agencies alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at the March 2023 SEO update and how it might impact your SEO efforts.

What is the March 2023 SEO Update?

The March 2023 SEO update, also known as the "Google Core Web Vitals Update," is a major update to Google's search algorithm that focuses on three key metrics related to page experience: loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. These metrics are collectively known as "core web vitals," and they are designed to measure the quality of the user experience on a web page.

Here is a closer look at each of these metrics:

1. Loading speed: This metric measures how quickly a page loads, from the moment a user clicks on a link to the moment the page is fully loaded and all interactive elements are functional. Google has set a benchmark of 2.5 seconds for loading speed, and pages that take longer than this may be penalized in search rankings.

2. Interactivity: This metric measures how quickly a page responds to user input, such as clicks, taps, or scrolls. Google has set a benchmark of 100 milliseconds for interactivity, meaning that pages that take longer than this to respond may be penalized in search rankings.

3. Visual stability: This metric measures how stable the page layout is as it loads, to ensure that users do not accidentally click on the wrong link or button due to unexpected layout changes. Google has set a benchmark of 0.1 for visual stability, meaning that pages that have layout shifts greater than this may be penalized in search rankings.
   
   

Together, these three metrics provide a comprehensive view of the user experience on a web page, and Google is using them as a ranking factor to ensure that users are served the best possible search results.

How will the March 2023 SEO Update impact SEO Agencies?

The March 2023 SEO update has significant implications for SEO agencies, as it requires a shift in focus from traditional SEO practices to a more holistic approach that considers the user experience as a key factor in search rankings. Here are some key ways that SEO agencies will need to adapt to this new update:

1. Prioritize page experience: With the core web vitals metrics becoming a ranking factor, SEO agencies will need to prioritize the user experience on their clients' websites. This means optimizing loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability to ensure that users have a seamless experience on the site.
2. Focus on content quality: While content has always been an important factor in search rankings, it is now even more crucial. SEO agencies will need to focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that meets the needs of the target audience and is optimized for the core web vitals metrics.
3. Optimize for mobile: With more users accessing the internet via mobile devices, SEO agencies will need to ensure that their clients' websites are optimized for mobile devices. This includes optimizing for mobile loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
4. Use data to inform SEO strategy: SEO agencies will need to use data to inform their SEO strategy, including data on user behavior, engagement, and conversion rates. This will help them identify areas for improvement and optimize their clients' websites for the core web vitals metrics.
5. Collaborate with web developers: SEO agencies will need to work closely with web developers to ensure that the website is optimized for the core web vitals metrics. This may involve making changes to the website's code, optimizing images and videos, and improving server response times.