John Mueller from Google recently mentioned that there isn’t a specific time frame for changes in search rankings after site improvements. Regarding page speed enhancements, Mueller noted it is a minor ranking factor. Google’s primary focus is on delivering the most relevant content rather than the fastest pages. This insight was shared during a Google Webmaster Central session on February 5.
A site owner asked about the duration it takes for Google to notice improvements in site speed. Mueller replied that there isn’t a set time frame for crawling pages and updating the associated ranking signals. It could sometimes take months, while other times it might be just days.
When substantial improvements are made to a site, webmasters are likely to observe a gradual increase in rankings over time. Page speed being a minor ranking factor, it’s challenging to predict its impact if it’s the only enhancement made. Site owners can expect more significant changes in search rankings when the overall quality of a website is improved.
Mueller explained more during the session:
“As with anything related to web search, there isn’t a fixed time frame. We crawl and index pages over time and update the signals over time. There’s no fixed timeline. Some pages and signals are updated daily, while others may take months. You’ll likely notice a gradual rise in rankings with significant site improvements as these signals are considered.
Speed might be tricky since it isn’t the most crucial ranking factor. We focus on content relevancy for users too. A fast site doesn’t guarantee a top rank. An empty page might be fastest but not useful for users. Speed is a smaller ranking factor. Visible changes in site rankings often stem from overall quality improvements.”
For further details, refer to the video where the full question and answer are discussed starting at 24:20.
