As of early 2026, Google’s ranking algorithms heavily prioritise websites that provide a positive user experience – meaning how easily visitors can find information and complete tasks. This is measured through ‘Core Web Vitals’ and broader ‘Experience’ signals, directly impacting your visibility in Australian search results.
- Page Speed Optimisation: Current systems include real-time monitoring of website loading times, with penalties applied for slow performance, particularly on mobile devices – crucial given Australia’s high mobile usage.
- Mobile-First Indexing: Google now features a predominantly mobile-first index, meaning the mobile version of your site is the primary version used for ranking.
- Interactive Elements & Accessibility: Sites with interactive elements (like calculators or maps) and strong accessibility features (compliant with WCAG 2.2 guidelines) are favoured.
- Low Bounce Rate & Dwell Time: Google analyses how long users stay on your pages and whether they return to the search results, indicating content relevance and engagement.
In 2026, Australian businesses must also consider the Australian Consumer Law regarding clear and accurate information on websites. Poor UX can lead to frustrated customers, increased bounce rates, and ultimately, lower rankings. Furthermore, Google’s algorithms are increasingly sophisticated at identifying manipulative UX practices designed solely to improve rankings.
Instead of navigating these complex technical requirements yourself, let ROI.com.au handle the optimisation of your website for both search engines *and* your customers. Contact our team today and we can take care of all this for you.
