Google Search Console Removing the Page Experience Report
Google has officially announced that it will remove the Page Experience report from Google Search Console, effective November 18, 2024. This change is part of Google’s ongoing initiative to simplify the user interface of the platform, streamline the experience for users, and make navigation more intuitive. The removal of this report marks a significant shift in how Google presents performance data to webmasters and SEO professionals, particularly those who relied on the Page Experience report to evaluate Core Web Vitals (CWV) and HTTPS performance.
Key Details of the Removal
Reason for Removal: Google explained that the Page Experience report, which combined data from both Core Web Vitals (CWV) and HTTPS reports, was being removed to “reduce unnecessary clutter” and simplify the navigation within Google Search Console. The search giant emphasized that, although this consolidated report will no longer be available, users can still access the critical metrics through individual CWV and HTTPS reports. This will allow users to examine data in more granular detail, rather than through a combined, summary-style report.
Impact on Users: The Page Experience report was launched in April 2021 with the aim of providing webmasters with a comprehensive view of their website’s performance in terms of user experience metrics. With its removal, SEO professionals and webmasters will need to adapt their reporting processes, as they will no longer have an overview of all page experience factors in a single report. Instead, they will need to focus on separate, detailed reports that continue to provide critical performance data on elements like Core Web Vitals and HTTPS usage.
Future Guidance: Google plans to replace the Page Experience report with a content page that will offer general guidance on what constitutes a good page experience. This content page will encourage users to take a holistic approach to page experience, focusing on a range of factors that impact user experience, including mobile-friendliness, page speed, security (HTTPS), and overall usability. Rather than providing a single report, Google’s intention is to promote a more comprehensive understanding of what makes a web page user-friendly and high-performing.
Implications for SEO
The discontinuation of the Page Experience report is part of a broader strategy by Google to simplify and streamline its Search Console tools. By removing this report, Google is encouraging SEO professionals to focus on individual reports that provide more specific data points. While some SEO practitioners have voiced concerns about the loss of a consolidated view, many recognize that this change could ultimately improve optimization practices.
The Page Experience report, while helpful, often blurred the lines between different types of data, leading some users to misunderstand the importance of certain metrics. By breaking down these metrics into more digestible reports, Google is helping users to concentrate on improving specific aspects of page experience, rather than trying to optimize for an aggregated score. This change will also make it easier for webmasters to track their performance over time and adjust their strategies based on individual report insights.
Summary
In summary, the removal of the Page Experience report from Google Search Console is a significant shift in how Google provides performance data. While this change may require some adjustment for webmasters and SEO professionals who were accustomed to viewing combined metrics in a single report, it also opens the door for more detailed and actionable insights. Focusing on individual metrics like Core Web Vitals and HTTPS performance will help website owners optimize their pages more effectively, leading to better user experiences overall.
If you need guidance on how to navigate these changes and improve your website’s SEO performance, Digilogy offers comprehensive digital marketing services that can help. Our team of experts specializes in search engine optimization, user experience, and Google Search Console strategies to ensure your website remains competitive. Contact Digilogy today to optimize your online presence and stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.
