Serve every page over HTTPS and avoid interstitials that block the main content
| Impact | Evidence | Applies to | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Official guidance | Google, Bing | Oct 30, 2026 |
Why it matters
Google's page experience guidance asks whether pages are served securely and whether they avoid intrusive interstitials. Google says there is no single page experience signal, and that aspects beyond Core Web Vitals do not directly boost ranking. They still affect satisfaction, and crawlers cannot read content hidden behind a gate.
How to do it
- Redirect all HTTP URLs to HTTPS and check Search Console's HTTPS report
- Replace full-screen popups on entry with inline or delayed banners
- Keep legally required consent banners small enough that content stays readable
Sources
- Understanding page experience in Google Search results · Google Search Central, Sep 22, 2026
Change history
| Date | Change | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 | Added | Added to the rulebook. |
Checked against its sources every Monday. Only content changes are listed.