+45 53 83 87 01AMP, short for Accelerated Mobile Pages, is a Google-backed project designed as an open standard for any publisher to have pages load quickly on mobile devices. Introduced in 2015, the AMP format enables web pages to load nearly instantly, providing an optimized browsing experience for mobile users.
Functionality:
The functionality of AMP involves pre-rendering of heavy resources so they can load more quickly. It is essentially a stripped-down form of HTML, a diet HTML if you will, specifically designed for mobile efficiency and speed. AMP pages are coded with a restricted version of HTML, called AMP HTML, and they rely on AMP JavaScript (JS) for fast rendering. AMP caches, served across Google and other providers, also contribute to the speed by allowing quick content delivery from a server located closest to the user.
Implementation:
To implement AMP for a website, webmasters create an alternate version of their site following the AMP specifications. This includes the use of the AMP framework (AMP HTML, AMP JS, and AMP Cache). Once an AMP version of a page is available, it can be served to users when they click on the link from mobile search results, typically indicated by a lightning bolt icon.
SEO implications:
From an SEO perspective, AMP can affect a mobile website’s performance in search results. Pages that load faster typically have lower bounce rates and better user engagement, which are metrics that search engines consider for ranking. Although AMP is not a direct ranking factor, it can indirectly improve search rankings by significantly enhancing the user experience and page speed, both of which are ranking factors on mobile searches.
Best practices:
AMP should be implemented correctly to avoid common errors such as content mismatches or validation issues. It’s crucial to regularly validate AMP pages using the Google AMP Test tool to ensure they are compliant with AMP standards. Also, monitor the performance of AMP pages through analytic platforms to gauge their impact on traffic and user engagement. While AMP can greatly benefit news websites and content publishers, its important to evaluate whether AMP is suitable for your website based on your specific goals and resources.
