Asep AlazhariDevelopment

Should You Use AMP for Your Blog in 2024?

Discover whether AMP is still relevant for modern websites and what alternatives you can use for better performance

Background Story

Back in 2015, AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) emerged as a game-changer for mobile web performance. It promised lightning-fast load times by simplifying HTML and optimizing resources. At the time, users and developers alike were frustrated with sluggish mobile experiences, especially in regions with slower internet speeds. AMP provided a standardized way to deliver content quickly, improving user satisfaction and engagement.

However, as the years passed, the landscape of web development shifted dramatically. Modern frameworks like Next.js and tools like Google Lighthouse have made it possible to achieve similar, if not better, performance without the constraints of AMP. Browsers have also evolved, introducing features like HTTP/2 and native lazy loading, which further reduce the need for AMP’s specialized ecosystem.

As someone building a blog, you're likely wondering: "Should I implement AMP or stick to modern practices?" Let’s dive into the current state of AMP, its pros and cons, and whether it fits your needs in 2024.

Also Read: Add Header in Image Next.js: A Comprehensive Guide

The Rise and Fall of AMP

Why AMP Was Popular:

  1. Faster Mobile Pages: AMP pages stripped down unnecessary elements, loading faster on slow connections. This was particularly valuable in the early days of mobile browsing when bandwidth was a major limitation.
  2. Boosted Search Rankings: Initially, AMP was prioritized in Google’s Top Stories carousel, offering a visibility advantage that made it almost mandatory for news websites and content-heavy platforms.
  3. Simple Ecosystem: It integrated seamlessly with Google’s services like Analytics and AdSense, making it easier for publishers to adopt without worrying about compatibility issues.

Why AMP Is Less Relevant Now:

  1. Core Web Vitals: Google now focuses on Core Web Vitals (e.g., LCP, FID, CLS), which modern websites can achieve without AMP. This shift allows developers to maintain creative and functional control over their websites.
  2. Broad Frameworks: Frameworks like Next.js offer pre-rendering, lazy loading, and optimized images that outperform AMP. With these tools, developers can build fast, scalable, and SEO-friendly websites without compromising on flexibility.
  3. Brand and Control: AMP limits custom JavaScript and design, often redirecting users to Google-hosted URLs. This can dilute your brand identity and create a suboptimal user experience.

Also Read: Why You Should Block Routes During Platform Migration in Laravel

When AMP Still Makes Sense

Despite its declining relevance, there are still scenarios where AMP can be a strategic choice:

  • Regions with slow internet speeds: In areas where internet connectivity is unreliable, AMP’s lightweight framework can significantly enhance user experiences.
  • Existing heavy investments in AMP: Organizations that have already invested heavily in AMP might find it more cost-effective to continue using it while gradually transitioning to modern solutions.
  • Google Discover preferences: For some types of content, particularly news and updates, AMP might still offer a slight edge in discoverability on Google Discover.
  • Low-budget projects: If you need a quick and easy way to ensure decent performance without diving into advanced optimization techniques, AMP might be worth considering.

However, these cases are exceptions rather than the rule. Most developers today prefer solutions that offer greater flexibility and control.

Best Alternatives to AMP

For your modern blog, here’s what you can do instead:

1. Leverage Modern Frameworks

Use frameworks like Next.js, Astro, or Gatsby. These tools support Static Site Generation (SSG) and Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR), enabling lightning-fast performance without the restrictions of AMP. They also come with built-in support for modern web standards and SEO optimization.

2. Optimize Images

  • Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to serve images closer to users.
  • Implement lazy loading to defer offscreen images until they are needed.
  • Compress images using tools like TinyPNG or ImageMagick.

3. Minimize CSS and JavaScript

  • Remove unused CSS and JS with tools like PurgeCSS.
  • Bundle and minify resources to reduce file sizes and improve load times.
  • Use modern JavaScript features like ES modules to improve efficiency.

4. Focus on Core Web Vitals

Ensure your website meets Google’s benchmarks for:

  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Keep the largest visible element loading quickly.
  • First Input Delay (FID): Minimize delays for user interactions.
  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Prevent unexpected layout shifts during loading.

Additional Tips:

  • Monitor performance regularly using tools like Google Lighthouse or WebPageTest.
  • Stay updated with SEO trends and Google’s algorithm changes.
  • Test your website on various devices to ensure compatibility.
  • Invest in a reliable hosting provider that ensures fast server response times.

Final Thoughts

AMP was revolutionary in its time, but with modern web tools and best practices, it’s no longer essential for a high-performing, mobile-friendly website. Focus on optimizing your blog with the latest technologies to stay ahead of the curve.

For developers in 2024, the goal is to strike a balance between performance and creativity. By leveraging modern frameworks, optimizing resources, and adhering to Core Web Vitals, you can deliver a fast and engaging experience that keeps users coming back.

Investing in strong performance practices will not only make your blog more user-friendly but also improve its search visibility. Modern tools like Next.js or Astro allow you to achieve excellent results while retaining full control over your site. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a team, these approaches will ensure your blog remains competitive and future-proof.