Contact Us

PageSpeed (or CWV) is not a Ranking factor or signal in SEO | Myth Busted

The CWV and PageSpeed Myth

In summary, Google has consistently clarified that while page speed and related metrics are considered, they are not major or decisive ranking factors, and focusing solely on them is not an effective SEO strategy

Here’s what Google and credible sources have consistently said:

  • Impact is limited: Google has repeatedly clarified that while page speed is a factor, it affects only a small percentage of queries and is much less important than content relevance and quality

  • PageSpeed Insights score is not a direct ranking factor: Google has said that the score itself does not directly impact rankings—actual load time and user experience do

  • 2015: Google hints that PageSpeed doesn’t impact ranking

  • 2023: Google confirms PageSpeed is retired: as a ranking factor

  • Relevance and quality outweigh speed: Google emphasizes that fast pages are good, but not at the expense of helpful, relevant content

Conclusion:
Google has never explicitly stated that page speed does not affect SEO. Instead, they have consistently maintained that page speed is a (minor) ranking factor, but not as important as content quality or relevance. The misconception may arise from Google clarifying that an excellent PageSpeed Insights score is not required to rank well, and that speed alone will not compensate for poor content

 

What John Mueller has said about PageSpeed on Reddit

 

johnm comments that the phrase “let slip” is funny, implying that Google hasn’t accidentally revealed anything — they’ve been open about whatever topic is being discussed, and that these things change over time anyway.

rustybrick (Barry Schwartz, a well-known SEO journalist) replies somewhat sarcastically, asking if he should write about it again, noting all the links referencing his past coverage, and thanking the original poster (u/PrimaryPositionSEO).

PrimaryPositionSEO (the OP) enthusiastically replies asking rustybrick to also cover EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness — a Google Search quality framework) again.

In short, it’s an SEO community discussion where a Google insider is pushing back on the idea that something was “leaked,” while SEO writers and practitioners are eagerly asking for more coverage of Google’s search guidelines.

Google Video: PageSpeed is not as important as People think

The full list of articles debunking PageSpeed/CWV ie

 

Picture of David Quaid

David Quaid

Search

Recent Posts