Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) and SEO: A Basic Guide

Key Takeaways

• AMP is an open-source HTML framework that creates fast-loading, mobile-optimized webpages.
• The AMP framework consists of AMP HTML, AMP JavaScript, and AMP Cache, each optimizing for speed and performance.
• AMP was initially designed for news publishers but has since expanded to include all types of webpages.
• AMP pages are displayed prominently in Google search results, suggesting they are viewed favorably by the search engine.
• Using AMP on a website involves creating specific AMP HTML pages or using CMS plugins. Validation and testing the AMP setup are important steps.

What Are Accelerated Mobile Pages?

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) is a way to make webpages load quickly on mobile devices. It’s open-source and started by Google. It’s a response to Facebook Instant Articles and Apple News, aiming to offer a quick and user-friendly content experience.

Introduction to AMP

Google began showing AMP pages in mobile search results in 2016. They first appeared in the “Top Stories” section. Now, you can see AMP pages in various search results, giving benefits to those who use them or publish them.

AMP Components: HTML, JavaScript, and Cache

Three key parts make up the AMP framework. There’s AMP HTML, AMP JavaScript, and AMP Cache. AMP HTML is structured HTML that makes webpages load fast. It removes some things that can make pages slow to open.

AMP JavaScript lets you use custom scripts without adding too much weight to the page. The AMP Cache helps by storing and preparing pages to load quickly. This makes parts of the page load from different servers at the same time, speeding up the whole process.

Benefits of Accelerated Mobile Pages

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) really speed up how fast pages load. They do this by making webpages simpler, cutting out things like complex HTML and Javascript. The AMP Cache takes this further by getting pages ready before you even ask for them. This lets parts of a website load from different places at once. So, visitors see pages much quicker. You don’t have to wait long anymore.

Improved Mobile User Experience

AMP makes websites load faster, but it’s more than that. It makes sites easier to use on phones. Pages open immediately, you can scroll without issues, and finding what you want is easy. All of this makes people stay on the site longer and really look around. That’s good for websites looking to show up more in search results.

You can also improve your users’ overall experience by providing them with high quality content, like videos and images. Do this by investing in an editing tool like this HitFilm Pro review.

Search Engine Optimization Advantages

Even though Google doesn’t directly rank AMP pages higher, they do help indirectly. Fast pages keep people on your site longer and they engage more. These are important to Google’s new rules about fast and phone-friendly websites. Plus, since AMP pages often show up at the very top of Google searches, more people might click on them. This can bring in extra visitors.

Don’t forget to visit this SEMrush review because the tool can help you with your SEO efforts.

Accelerated Mobile Pages

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) are part of Google’s search universe. Starting in 2016, Google used AMP for the “Top Stories” section of search results. Even though now AMP content shows up in more places, it still gets preferential treatment from Google. Yet, Google says AMP does not directly boost your search rank, and having AMP doesn’t guarantee you’ll rank higher.

AMP and Google Search

Google and Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) have a deep connection. In 2016, AMP was just for the “Top Stories” part of search. They’ve now made AMP appear in more areas. Google’s actions show they like AMP pages. But, remember, using AMP won’t by itself help you rank better on Google.

AMP Display in Search Results

In Google, AMP results stand out with a lightning bolt or “AMP” label. This shows they’re ready for phones. Even though Google doesn’t show the AMP badge anymore, it still likes AMP for fast mobile experiences. This means they could pop up more in searches designed for phones.

Implementing AMP on Your Website

Adding Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) to your website involves two main methods. You can either make the pages from scratch or use a CMS that supports AMP.

Creating AMP HTML Pages

To start, you have to follow specific rules and guidelines for your AMP HTML page. This means using certain tags at the start, and including tags and scripts. AMP pages also limit some HTML elements to load quickly.

Using a CMS for AMP Integration

If your site uses a CMS, like WordPress, you can make AMP pages with special plugins. Take the AMP for WordPress plugin, for example. It turns your normal pages into AMP pages easily. It sorts out all the details, like the look and feel, and connects to AMP Cache. This way, you can make AMP pages even if you’re not great at coding. Other CMS platforms like Drupal and Joomla also have ways to integrate AMP.

Validating and Testing AMP Pages

It’s important to test your AMP pages before showing them to the world. AMP has rules in place to ensure the best speed and user experience. Use the AMP Test Tool to make sure your pages follow these rules. Also, linking your AMP pages correctly and using the same data markup as your regular pages helps your AMP pages do better.

Conclusion

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) is now key for SEO. It’s all about fast and mobile-friendly pages. Google and others like fast-loading and mobile-optimized sites. Even though it’s not a direct ranking factor, AMP can boost your site. It improves bounce rate, user time on site, and engagement which search engines love.

Adding AMP to your site can happen in two ways. You can build AMP HTML from zero. Or, use plugins like AMP for WordPress. Besides adding AMP, it’s important to check if your pages meet AMP guidelines.

As mobile use grows, AMP remains crucial. It makes user experiences better and tools for SEO success. With options like accelerated mobile pages WordPress or accelerated mobile pages Shopify, site owners can see perks. These perks include faster pages, a smoother mobile experience, and SEO uplifts.