What is Google AMP? | Speed Up Your Website and Get Ahead in SEO

What is Google AMP? 

Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) is an open-source project designed to make web pages load faster for mobile users. Introduced by Google in 2015, this technology helps web pages load instantly on mobile browsers.

Why Was Google AMP Created?

Solving Mobile Loading Issues
Web pages often took a long time to load on mobile devices. Users would leave before the pages even opened. AMP was created to solve this problem.

Improving User Experience
High-speed pages encourage users to stay longer and navigate more easily. This, in turn, increases conversion rates.

How Does Google AMP Work?

AMP HTML 

This is a lighter version of standard HTML. Some tags are prohibited, and only structures supported by AMP can be used.

AMP JS 

JavaScript files are replaced with AMP’s optimized JS library to improve loading speed.

AMP Cache 

Google stores AMP pages on its own servers, delivering them faster to users.

Advantages of Google AMP

Faster Page Load Times
Speed is AMP’s primary advantage. AMP pages load up to 4 times faster than standard pages.

Positive Impact on SEO
Google favors fast-loading pages. Websites using AMP may appear higher in search results.

Lower Bounce Rate
If a page loads quickly, users are less likely to leave. This reduces the bounce rate.

Better Experience for Mobile Users
Most mobile users expect instant results. AMP meets these expectations effectively.

Disadvantages of Google AMP

Design Limitations
AMP HTML operates with stricter rules than standard HTML. You may not be able to use certain interactive elements.

Advertising and Analytics Integration Challenges
Integrating AdSense and other ad systems into AMP pages can require extra effort.

URL Structure Issues
Since AMP pages are served from cdn.ampproject.org, URLs don’t appear to belong to your original domain.

Impact of AMP on SEO

AMP and Mobile-First Indexing
As Google prioritizes mobile versions, AMP pages score positively in this regard.

Impact on Google Rankings
AMP isn’t a direct ranking factor, but it indirectly boosts SEO results through improved speed.

AMP Icon in SERP
Previously, AMP pages displayed a lightning bolt icon in search results, increasing click-through rates.

How to Implement AMP

AMP Plugins for WordPress
Plugins like AMP for WP and Official AMP Plugin allow you to add AMP to your site without coding.

Manual HTML Implementation
If your site has a custom structure, you can code AMP manually following AMP HTML guidelines.

AMP Validator Tools
Use https://validator.ampproject.org to check whether your page complies with AMP standards.

How to Test AMP Pages

Google AMP Test Tool
This tool shows how Google sees your AMP pages.

Testing with Chrome DevTools
You can test loading speed in mobile view using Chrome’s DevTools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will Google AMP improve my rankings? 

AMP is not a direct ranking factor, but it enhances page speed, which indirectly benefits SEO.

2. On which platforms can I use AMP? 

AMP can be applied on various platforms including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and custom-coded websites.

3. Does AMP work on all devices? 

Yes, but it’s primarily designed to deliver a fast experience on mobile devices.

4. Will AMP change my website’s design? 

Yes, AMP imposes some design limitations, resulting in a simpler appearance.

5. What if I don’t use AMP? 

Nothing critical will happen, but you might lag behind competitors in terms of speed and mobile experience.