When you click on a website from your phone and it takes more than a few seconds to load, what do you do? Most people tap the back button and move on. That’s exactly why AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) was introduced. Google wanted to make mobile browsing faster. But there’s more to AMP than just speed—it can also help your website do better in search results. This blog will explain how AMP can support your SEO goals, especially if you're looking to make your website load faster on phones.
AMP stands for Accelerated Mobile Pages. It’s a technology that helps websites load almost instantly on mobile devices. It was first introduced by Google to help improve the mobile user experience. AMP uses a stripped-down version of HTML, along with some specific rules and restrictions, to make sure pages are light and quick.
You can spot AMP pages in search results because they usually show a little lightning bolt icon. These pages are often shown in top stories and other special sections on Google.
Google has made it clear that page speed is one of the factors it considers when ranking websites. This means faster pages are more likely to appear higher in search results.
People expect websites to load quickly. If a page is too slow, visitors leave, and this increases your bounce rate. A high bounce rate can hurt your search ranking. AMP helps solve this problem by making your mobile pages faster.
Let’s take a look at the ways AMP can help your website rank better:
AMP pages load almost instantly. This helps reduce the time users have to wait. Faster loading keeps people on your site longer, and that can send positive signals to search engines.
When pages load fast, people are more likely to stay and explore. If your bounce rate goes down, it may improve your chances of ranking higher. AMP helps keep visitors engaged.
Google gives priority to mobile-friendly websites in its mobile search results. AMP pages are built for mobile, so they automatically meet the mobile-friendly criteria.
AMP pages remove distractions and focus on the content. With fewer pop-ups, sidebars, and heavy media files, users get a cleaner and smoother experience.
Sometimes, AMP pages appear in special places on Google like the Top Stories carousel. Being featured in these spots can bring more clicks and traffic.
AMP is designed to make ads load faster too. That means less delay for your visitors and better ad viewability. This can improve your earnings if you run ads.
AMP is great for websites that get a lot of mobile traffic. News sites, blogs, recipe pages, and eCommerce stores can benefit from AMP. If your site takes more than three seconds to load on a phone, you may want to think about adding AMP pages.
Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:
You don’t need to be a developer to get started with AMP. There are plugins available for platforms like WordPress that make the job easier. Here’s a basic overview:
If you run an online store, you might be wondering if AMP is worth it. The short answer: it can be. Many people shop from their phones. A fast experience means they’re more likely to stay, browse, and buy. While AMP does have limits (for example, fewer custom scripts), it still helps keep product pages fast.
There are also ways to make AMP more flexible for shopping sites. Developers can build AMP pages that support product listings, reviews, and more. The key is to keep it simple and fast.
Some people ask if AMP still matters now that websites can be fast without it. The answer depends on your site. If your current mobile pages are already fast and user-friendly, you may not need AMP. But if speed is an issue, or you want to appear in special search spots, AMP can still help.
It’s also worth noting that AMP is still being supported and updated by Google and other contributors. While its popularity has gone down a bit, its core idea—faster pages for mobile users—is still very relevant.
If your site is struggling with mobile speed or high bounce rates, AMP might be worth trying. It’s not a magic fix, but it can help you create a better experience for mobile users and possibly support your search rankings.
Keep in mind that AMP is just one part of a bigger SEO plan. You still need good content, smart keywords, and proper links to really climb in search results.
If you're not sure where to start or how to improve your AMP and SEO game, that’s where experts come in.
If all this feels a bit too technical or you’re unsure how to set up AMP properly, SEO Raft is here to help. We work with businesses of all sizes to improve website speed, SEO rankings, and mobile user experience. Whether you need help with AMP, page speed fixes, or a complete SEO plan, our team is ready.