How Google PageSpeed Insights Impacts Your SEO (And What You Can Do About It)

In the world of SEO, ranking high in Google means staying on top of dozens of moving parts — from content to structure, keywords, and links. But there’s one factor many still underestimate: page speed.

That’s where Google PageSpeed Insights comes in.

Whether you're a developer, designer, or marketer, understanding what this tool measures (and how it affects your rankings) is essential for building high-performing websites.

What Is Google PageSpeed Insights?

Google PageSpeed Insights (PSI) is a free tool that analyzes your website's performance and gives you a score — both for mobile and desktop.

It breaks down key performance indicators into two categories:

• Lab data: Simulated performance metrics under controlled conditions.

• Field data (Core Web Vitals): Real-world user performance data, if available.

You’ll also get actionable suggestions on how to improve, like reducing image size, optimizing scripts, or deferring offscreen content.

Why Does PageSpeed Matter for SEO?

1. It’s a Ranking Factor

Since Google’s 2021 Page Experience Update, performance metrics — especially Core Web Vitals — are officially a part of the ranking algorithm. A slow-loading website can negatively affect:

• Your visibility in search results

• Your user engagement (bounce rate, session time)

• Your conversion rates

While page speed alone won't catapult you to the #1 spot, it can be the tie-breaker between you and a competitor with similar content.

2. It Impacts UX — and UX Affects SEO

SEO and UX are no longer separate worlds. If your site loads slowly or behaves erratically, users leave — and Google notices.

Key metrics from PageSpeed Insights that matter:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): How long it takes for the main content to appear (should be under 2.5s).

• First Input Delay (FID): How responsive your page is to user interaction (aim for under 100ms).

• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): How stable your content is as it loads (keep below 0.1).

These are all part of Core Web Vitals, which are directly tied to your search rankings.

How to Use PageSpeed Insights to Improve SEO

Here’s how to make the most of what PSI tells you:

✅ 1. Run a Full Site Audit

Test multiple pages — not just your homepage. Blog posts, product pages, and landing pages all matter for SEO.

✅ 2. Focus on Mobile First

Google uses mobile-first indexing, so your mobile performance often has more impact on SEO than desktop.

✅ 3. Prioritize Fixes That Affect Core Web Vitals

Examples:

• Optimize images (use WebP or AVIF)

• Minimize unused JavaScript

• Use font-display: swap for faster text rendering

• Set proper image dimensions

• Reduce third-party script load

✅ 4. Track Over Time

Use tools like Google Search Console, Lighthouse, or OptiScope to monitor your performance regularly and catch regressions early.

Framer Users: A Quick Note

If you're building in Framer, you’re already getting modern, performant code — but you still need to:

• Compress your assets

• Lazy-load videos and images

• Minimize large animations

• Clean up unused code or embeds

Framer sites can perform great in PSI when built with speed in mind — and tools like OptiScope can help analyze your SEO + performance in one go.

Final Thoughts

Google PageSpeed Insights isn’t just a “developer tool” — it’s a window into how your site performs in real life. And those insights directly affect your rankings, your reputation, and your revenue.

By regularly testing your site, following PSI’s recommendations, and optimizing with purpose, you’ll create experiences that rank higher, convert better, and feel faster.