Table of contentsTabla de contenidos
What is Search Experience Optimization (SXO)?¿Qué es la optimización de la experiencia de búsqueda (SXO)?
SXO vs SEO: Key DifferencesSXO vs SEO: Diferencias clave
Key components of search experience optimizationComponentes clave de la optimización de la experiencia de búsqueda
Why Site Speed Matters for SXOPor qué la velocidad del sitio es importante para SXO
Implementing SXO with KinstaImplementar SXO con Kinsta
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Digital marketing is always changing – that’s nothing new. But what is new is a noticeable shift in the modern approach to SEO . Search engine optimization (SEO) is still important, but it’s now taking on a new context with search experience optimization (SXO).
While SEO focuses on optimizing content for search engine rankings, SXO takes it a step further by emphasizing overall user experience. This holistic approach integrates elements like site speed, mobile optimization, and intuitive design to ensure that users find what they’re looking for and have an overall positive experience when browsing your content.
Today we’ll be talking about all things SXO: what it is, how it differs from SEO, and how to get started with it. We’ll also talk about why Kinsta is a key ally in achieving effective SXO.
What is Search Experience Optimization (SXO)?
Search experience optimization, or SXO, is an evolution of traditional SEO that focuses on getting people to click on your site link in search results and ensuring they have a great experience once they get there.
Think of SXO as a blend of UX and SEO principles . While the primary goal of SEO is to improve search engine rankings through keywords and technical optimizations, SXO aims to improve the entire user journey from their initial search to their final interaction on your site.
SXO prioritizes understanding user intent and delivering high-quality, relevant content in a user-friendly way. This includes optimizing for fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and intuitive navigation. Prioritizing these factors is very important. According to a report by Yottaa , 9 out of 10 shoppers (that’s 90%!) will abandon a website if their shopping experience is too slow.
But of course, these dire metrics apply to blogs and news sites as well.
So, if we were to sum it up, SXO is all about creating a seamless and engaging experience that keeps people on your site longer and engaging with your content.
Once people find your site, SXO will ensure that they find it useful and enjoyable to use. This holistic view of digital marketing recognizes the importance of both visibility and user experience to long-term success.
SXO vs SEO: Key Differences
The shift from SEO to SXO is significant. While SEO remains essential for visibility, SXO builds on it by emphasizing the overall user journey.
Let's now explore the key differences between these two approaches:
Approach and objectives
SEO is primarily aimed at improving the visibility of a website in SERPs. The focus is on keywords, external links (backlinks) and technical optimization that helps your website pages rank better and attract organic traffic.
SXO, on the other hand, goes beyond just attracting visitors. It aims to provide an engaging and user-friendly experience. It prioritizes user intent, relevance, and land on the site. Therefore, the emphasis in SXO is quite different and more far-reaching than standard SEO goals.
Key elements
Keywords can improve SEO rankings. Technical SEO improves site architecture, mobile optimization, and loading speed. You would also focus on building a network of high-quality backlinks . A key aspe estonia phone number list ct of SEO also involves creating content that matches what people are currently searching for and meeting those expectations.
SXO builds on this idea, doubling down on efforts to understand and satisfy user intent. It involves creating intuitive website designs with intuitive navigation. It attempts to guide the visitor through their journey. It does this through engaging content, streamlined website processes (such as registration and payment forms ), clear navigation, and site speed. SXO encompasses the entire user journey, from search to conversion.
Metrics and evaluation
SEO success is often measured by search rankings, organic traffic, and click-through rate (CTR). These metrics are typically search engine-centric, and focus on how a site performs in search results.

SXO, however, looks at user engagement metrics such as bounce rates, average session duration, and conversion rates. It emphasizes user satisfaction and the overall quality of the user experience.
If you need something a little more visual to compare and contrast SEO and SXO, here’s a comparison table summarizing the differences: