As of early 2026, AI-powered search engines like Google’s Gemini and others prioritise user experience, and page speed is a core component of that experience. These systems now directly correlate slower loading times with lower quality content, impacting rankings even if your content is highly relevant.
- Core Web Vitals Integration: Current systems include a heavy weighting of Core Web Vitals – Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) – all directly tied to page speed.
- AI Ranking Models: AI ranking models now features sophisticated algorithms that analyse real user behaviour, including bounce rates directly influenced by slow page loads.
- Mobile-First Indexing Dominance: With over 60% of Australian searches occurring on mobile devices in 2026, optimising for mobile page speed is paramount.
In 2026, Australian businesses must also consider the NBN rollout completion and increasing data consumption. Slow page speeds not only hurt search rankings but also frustrate customers with faster internet connections, leading to lost conversions. Furthermore, compliance with Australian Consumer Law regarding fair and reasonable service extends to website performance.
Instead of navigating these complex technical requirements yourself, let ROI.com.au handle the optimisation process. We can take care of all this for you. Contact our team today to discuss a tailored strategy for boosting your page speed and AI search rankings.
