AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)

AMP on Google Search: A Detailed Guide

Core Principles:

• Google-Friendly Practices: All general Google Search guidelines for site optimization apply to AMP pages.

• AMP HTML Specification: Your AMP page must strictly adhere to the AMP HTML specification for proper functionality and eligibility for AMP-related features. (https://amp.dev/documentation/guides-and-tutorials/learn/amp-html/)

Getting Started:

• Create your first AMP HTML page: https://amp.dev/documentation/guides-and-tutorials/learn/amp-html/

Key Guidelines:

1. Content Consistency:

• Users must encounter identical content and functionality on your AMP page and its canonical page.

• Example:

  • Canonical Page: https://www.example.com/blog/best-coffee-brewing-tips

  • AMP Page: https://www.example.com/amp/blog/best-coffee-brewing-tips

  • Both pages should contain the same article, images, and form for subscribing to the blog.

2. User-Friendly URL Scheme:

• Employ a URL structure for your AMP pages that is clearly related to your main website, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Example:

  • Canonical Page: https://www.traveladventures.com/destinations/iceland

  • AMP Page: Avoid: https://amp.travel-blog.net/iceland (Unrelated to main website)

  • Recommended: https://www.traveladventures.com/amp/destinations/iceland

3. AMP Validation:

• Requirement: Your AMP page must pass validation to guarantee optimal functionality and compatibility with Google Search features.

• Validation Tool: https://search.google.com/test/amp
• Example:

  • Invalid AMP: Missing closing <p> tag.

  <p>This is a paragraph. 

  • Valid AMP: Correctly closed <p> tag.

  <p>This is a paragraph.</p> 

4. Structured Data:

• Adhering to Google's structured data policies is essential for enhancing the visibility and understanding of your AMP content in search results.

• Example:

  • Implementing schema.org vocabulary to mark up your recipes.

  <script type="application/ld+json">
  {
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Recipe",
    "name": "Chocolate Chip Cookies",
    "description": "A classic recipe for delicious chocolate chip cookies",
    "author": {
      "@type": "Person",
      "name": "John Doe"
    },
    "image": "https://www.example.com/images/chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg",
    "recipeIngredient": [
      "2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour",
      "1 teaspoon baking soda",
      "1 teaspoon salt",
      "1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened",
      "3/4 cup granulated sugar",
      "3/4 cup packed light brown sugar"
    ],
    "recipeInstructions": [
      "Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).",
      "In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.",
      "In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy."
    ],
    "recipeYield": "12 cookies"
  }
  </script>

Additional AMP Topics:

1. AMP in Search Results:

• Understanding AMP Behavior: Familiarize yourself with how AMP pages are displayed and function within Google Search results.

• Example:

  • AMP pages often appear with a lightning bolt icon, signifying their fast loading speed.

2. Enhancing AMP Content:

• Best Practices: Employ strategies to optimize your AMP pages for improved user experience and search performance.

• Example:

  • Utilizing AMP components like amp-carousel for creating interactive image sliders.

3. Validating AMP Content:

• Tips: Implement best practices and utilize tools to ensure the validity and proper functioning of your AMP pages.

• Example:

  • Using the amp-validator tool to catch potential errors in your AMP code.

4. Removing AMP Pages:

• Instructions: Learn how to remove your AMP pages from Google Search if necessary.

FAQs:

1. Mobile-Only?

• No, AMP pages are designed to be responsive and viewable across all devices.

• Example:

  • Utilizing CSS media queries to adjust layout and content for different screen sizes.

2. AMP on Desktop?

• While AMP pages work well on desktops, they do not receive specific search features within Google Search results.

• Example:

  • Desktop visitors may not see the lightning bolt icon next to your search result.

3. Standalone AMP Pages:

• You can consider creating your pages as standalone AMP pages to serve both desktop and mobile visitors.

• Example:

  • Building a single AMP page for https://www.example.com/about that adapts to different screen sizes.

Conclusion:

By meticulously following these guidelines, incorporating illustrative examples, and leveraging the resources provided, you can successfully implement AMP for Google Search, creating a positive user experience and boosting your website's performance in search results. Remember to consistently validate your AMP pages and stay up-to-date on the latest AMP best practices.