I have always been curious about Google's algorithm as it pertains to different devices for the same website. I manage multiple responsive sites that utilize AMP and generate a significant amount of traffic, particularly from mobile users. I am unsure if the performance of the non-AMP versions of the sites on desktop and mobile devices impact ranking, considering that AMP is Google's preferred format for mobile. I am unsure if the Mobile First ranking system has any exceptions or limitations. While I understand the importance of meeting Core Web Vitals and maintaining a clean site code, I am interested in knowing if the performance of desktop and mobile versions affects overall SEO ranking or just the ranking for those specific formats. Could a site with AMP rank well on mobile but not on desktop? How does performance on one format (AMP) but not on another (desktop) impact overall SEO? Any insights on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
The performance of your site on different devices does impact your overall SEO ranking, though the effect may be different depending on the device and format.
While Google prioritizes AMP for mobile, the Mobile-First indexing system doesn’t completely disregard desktop performance. Meaning, your desktop site’s performance can still affect your overall ranking. While AMP might boost your mobile ranking, a poorly performing desktop version could negatively impact your overall SEO.
It’s important to optimize both your desktop and mobile versions for Core Web Vitals to ensure a positive user experience and improve your ranking. This means ensuring both versions load quickly, are responsive, and offer a seamless user experience.
In essence, while AMP can significantly improve your mobile ranking, a subpar desktop experience can hinder your overall SEO performance. It is essential to optimize both your desktop and mobile versions for Core Web Vitals to achieve optimal SEO results.