logo img
Lead Generation Pay Per Click
Advertising Cost Calculator Lead Generation
google-page-layout-algorithm-update.png

Google Page Layout Algorithm: Relevance, Impact and SEO Best Practices

Google's Page Layout Algorithm, also known as the "Top Heavy" or the "Above the Fold" algorithm, is one of the many factors that Google uses to rank websites in its search results. This algorithm targets websites that show too many ads above the fold, which is the part of the web page that is visible without scrolling down. Google's goal is to create a high-quality user experience while also rewarding websites that prioritize content above advertisements.

In this blog post, we will answer some common questions about Google's Page Layout Algorithm and its relevance for SEOs in 2023.

What is Google Page Layout Algorithm Update and When Did It Take Off?

Google introduced the first Page Layout Algorithm update on January 19, 2012. It affected less than 1 percent of websites at that time. Google updated the algorithm again on October 9, 2012, affecting 0.7 percent of English queries. The third update was a refresh that occurred on February 6, 2014. The last update was announced on November 1, 2016, when Google's John Mueller said that the algorithm had become automated and would run continuously.

What Inspired Google to Launch Page Layout Algorithm Update and What Does It Mean for SEOs?

Google rolled out Page Layout Algorithm to improve the quality of its search results and to provide a better user experience. Google found that some websites were displaying an excessive amount of advertising above the fold, making it difficult for consumers to find the actual content they were looking for. Google said that this algorithm would affect websites that "make it hard for users to find the actual content of the page" or that "push content below the fold" with excessive ads.

Google also said that this algorithm would not affect websites that use ads in a reasonable way and that provide enough space for content above the fold. Google encouraged website owners to use its Browser Size tool (now called PageSpeed Insights) to see how their pages look under different screen resolutions and to make sure that their content is visible without scrolling.

What Were the Impacts of This Update on Sites and SEOs at That Time?

The impact of this update on sites and SEOs at that time varied depending on how much they relied on ads above the fold. Some websites witnessed a loss in ranks and traffic, while others witnessed a gain or no change at all. Some examples of websites that were affected by this update are:

  • Forbes.com: This website was hit by the first Page Layout Algorithm update in 2012 because it had a large interstitial ad that covered most of the screen before showing the content. Forbes later removed this ad and improved its page layout.
  • Dailymail.co.uk: This website was also hit by the first Page Layout Algorithm update in 2012 because it had too many ads above the fold and below the headline. Dailymail later reduced the number of ads and increased the size of its content area.
  • Ezinearticles.com: This website was hit by both the first and the second Page Layout Algorithm updates in 2012 because it had too many ads above and below its articles. Ezinearticles later redesigned its website and removed some of its ads.

How to Manage Page Layout Algorithm Update and Rise in Local Search and SEO in 2023?

Google's Page Layout Algorithm is still relevant in 2023 for SEOs because it is one of the factors that Google uses to rank websites in its search results. Although Google has not announced any major updates to this algorithm since 2016, it is still running continuously and automatically as part of Google's core algorithm. As a result, SEOs must continue to pay attention to page layout and ensure that they deliver a pleasant user experience and adequate material above the fold.

Some tips for SEOs to optimize their page layout are:

  • Use Google's PageSpeed Insights tool to check how your pages look under different screen resolutions and devices and to get suggestions on how to improve your page speed and layout.
  • Avoid using too many ads above the fold or pushing your content below the fold with excessive ads. Use ads in a reasonable way and balance them with your content.
  • Use responsive design to make your pages adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.
  • Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, images, videos, and other elements to make your content more engaging and scannable.
  • Use white space, contrast, and alignment to create a clear visual hierarchy and to guide your users' attention.

By following these tips, you can improve your page layout and provide a better user experience, which can help you rank higher in Google’s search results and attract more organic traffic.

Search Blog

no results found image what is SEO ? image what is off-page seo? image what is on-page seo? image Googles Generative AI – A Helpful Feature For Local Business Owners image What Is a Canonical Tag..? image What are Twitter Cards? image What are DC Tags? image What are Open Graph Tags? image What are Sitelinks? image what is google analytics? image What is Featured Snippet? image What is Search Intent? image What is Google Search Console? image Complete List of Digital Marketing Abbreviations with Definition image Advanced SEO Interview Questions for eCommerce Websites image SEO Most Technical and Practical Interview Questions Ever Asked image What is Web Spam and Types of Web Spams that Google Consider image What is E-A-T? image What is E-E-A-T? image Cracking Open The Box: Demystifying The Components Of An Effective SEO Package image Unlocking Success: Navigating the World of SEO Services image Boosting Your Online Gaming Platform’s Success with iGaming SEO Services image Personalize Your Search With New Features After Hidden Gem Google Algo Update image What is SERP? A Digital Search Technology image Google Shutting Down Websites Made on Business Profile image What is Large Photo Summary Card? image What is twitter Player Card? image What is Twitter App Card? image What is Twitter summary Card? image What are Google Ads? image What is search Ads Campaign? image What is Google Display Ads? image What are Google Shopping Ads? image What is Google Discovery Ad? image What is PPC? image how does PPC works? image What is Google Analytics 4? image What is exploration Tab in google analytics 4 image What is Advertising Tab in google analytics 4 image What is Business Objectives Tab in google analytics 4 image How To/ Simple Steps Change Age Group (Demographics) in Google Ads Campaigns image How to Use ChatGPT Prompt Templates to Boost Your Content Creation image Metaverse Technology: The Future of The Internet image Metaverse Technology: The End of Humanity image What are 7P’s of Marketing? image what is Moz Brand Authority? image ascending the app store ranks image Optimizing Your App's Visibility image YouTube's 2023 Major Updates

Leave a Message

Recent Blogs

blog image

Google Shutting Down Websites Made on Business Profile

Google is constantly innovating and developing new features and services for its users.....

Continue Reading 19 january 2024
blog image

Metaverse Technology: The End of Humanity

There were three essentials of human life: food, clothing, and shelter, but with the developing world, now one more element has created its own space in the essentials list, i.e., the Internet. ....

Continue Reading 19 january 2024
blog image

Metaverse Technology: The Future of The Internet

Metaverse Technology—Ever heard of it? Yes? Hearing tech CEOs like Satya Nadela and Mark Zuckerberg talk about it ....

Continue Reading 12 january 2024
blog image

What is SERP? A Digital Search Technology

Have you ever gone on a search engine like Google and searched for anything? Of course, you did. In the past, ....

Continue Reading 8 january 2024
blog image

Personalize Your Search With New Features After Hidden Gem Google Algo Update

Google is on a mission to personalize your search results exclusively for you. The latest update from Google has ....

Continue Reading 17 november 2023
blog image

YouTube's 2023 Major Updates

Hey, YouTube fans! Have you heard the big news? YouTube has just announced a huge update that will make your video watching ....

Continue Reading 23 october 2023

CONNECT. START. & GROW.

world image

+918926785000

info@loveppcexperts.com

Speak with our PPC Experts Company

Give us a Ring, e-Mail, WhatsApp, or Skype.
20000+ Projects Handling
25+ Full Time Working Professionals
30+ serving Countries
99% Client Retention

Other services we Provide

Leave a Message