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Why Are Core Web Vitals Crucial for SEO?

  • Writer: hardeep kaur
    hardeep kaur
  • Apr 2
  • 4 min read

Core Web Vitals are key factors that Google uses to measure how user-friendly a website is. They check how fast a page loads, how quickly it responds to clicks, and how stable the layout is while loading. 


Websites with poor Core Web Vitals scores may rank lower, leading to decreased traffic and conversions.


In this blog, we’ll break down Core Web Vitals, why they are important for SEO, and how to improve them with simple, actionable strategies.


What Are Core Web Vitals?


Google's Core Web Vitals focus on three key performance metrics:


  1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) – Measures loading performance. Ideally, LCP should occur within 2.5 seconds after the page starts loading.

  2. First Input Delay (FID) – Measures interactivity. A page should have an FID of less than 100 milliseconds to ensure smooth user experience.

  3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) – Measures visual stability. A CLS score of less than 0.1 means that page elements don’t move around unexpectedly, preventing a frustrating experience.



    core web vitals


Why Are Core Web Vitals Important for SEO?


1. Google Uses Core Web Vitals as a Ranking Factor

Since 2021, Google has included Core Web Vitals in its Page Experience update, meaning that fast and stable pages have a competitive advantage in search rankings.


Example: Two websites have equally relevant content. The one with better Core Web Vitals will likely rank higher in search results.


2. Improved User Experience Leads to Higher Engagement


Users expect fast and seamless browsing. If your site loads slowly or elements shift while scrolling, visitors are likely to leave.


Example: A slow-loading e-commerce site may frustrate customers, leading to abandoned carts and lost revenue.


3. Better Core Web Vitals Reduce Bounce Rates

Pages that load quickly and respond instantly keep users engaged, reducing bounce rates and increasing time spent on your site.


Example: A blog post with a slow LCP may cause readers to leave before they even see the main content.


How to Improve Core Web Vitals


1. Improving Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

LCP measures how fast the main content of your page loads.


Ways to Improve LCP:

  • Optimize images using modern formats like WebP or AVIF.

  • Use a content delivery network (CDN) to serve static files quickly.

  • Minimize render-blocking JavaScript and CSS.

  • Upgrade to faster web hosting.


Example: A photography website with large, unoptimized images can significantly reduce LCP by using compressed WebP images.


2. Reducing First Input Delay (FID)


FID measures how fast the page responds to user interactions like clicks and taps.


Ways to Improve FID:

  • Minimize the use of third-party scripts (e.g., chatbots, ads, analytics tools).

  • Use browser caching to store frequently used resources.

  • Break up JavaScript execution to prevent lag.


Example: A news website with multiple ads and tracking scripts can improve FID by deferring unnecessary scripts until after the main content loads.


3. Enhancing Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

CLS measures how much the page layout shifts unexpectedly while loading.


Ways to Improve CLS:

  • Define fixed dimensions for images and videos.

  • Avoid inserting ads or pop-ups dynamically.

  • Use font-display: swap to prevent text shifting.


Example: A recipe blog that loads images late, causing text to jump, can fix CLS by setting height and width attributes for all images.


Tools to Measure and Improve Core Web Vitals

Here are some free tools to analyze your Core Web Vitals and identify areas for improvement:

  • Google PageSpeed Insights – Provides LCP, FID, and CLS scores with improvement suggestions.

  • Google Search Console – Monitors Core Web Vitals performance across all indexed pages.

  • Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools) – Offers detailed performance reports and fixes.

  • GTmetrix – Analyzes page speed and provides actionable recommendations.


Conclusion

Core Web Vitals are essential for both SEO and user experience. Websites with fast load times, quick interactivity, and stable visuals rank better on Google and keep users engaged. 

By optimizing LCP, FID, and CLS, you can enhance website performance, reduce bounce rates, and improve search rankings.


Start optimizing today using Google’s free tools and best practices, and watch your website climb the search results!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. How do I check my Core Web Vitals performance?

You can check Core Web Vitals using Google PageSpeed Insights, Google Search Console, and Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools.


2. What is a good Core Web Vitals score?

  • LCP: Under 2.5 seconds

  • FID: Less than 100ms

  • CLS: Less than 0.1


3. Does Core Web Vitals affect mobile rankings?

Yes, Core Web Vitals are crucial for both mobile and desktop rankings, but mobile performance is more significant due to Google’s mobile-first indexing.


4. Can improving Core Web Vitals increase conversions?

Yes, faster load times and better user experience lead to lower bounce rates, higher engagement, and more conversions.


5. Do Core Web Vitals impact e-commerce websites more?

Yes, slow-loading e-commerce websites experience higher cart abandonment rates, making Core Web Vitals crucial for online stores.


6. How often should I monitor Core Web Vitals?

It’s best to monitor Core Web Vitals regularly, especially after making significant design or content changes.



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