Core Web Vitals have become a crucial ranking factor for search engines. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to optimize each metric for better performance.
Understanding Core Web Vitals
Core Web Vitals are a set of specific factors that Google considers important in a webpage's overall user experience. They include:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures loading performance. Should occur within 2.5 seconds.
- First Input Delay (FID): Measures interactivity. Should be less than 100 milliseconds.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measures visual stability. Should be less than 0.1.
Optimizing LCP
To improve your LCP score, focus on these areas:
- Optimize and compress images
- Implement lazy loading for below-the-fold content
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
- Minimize render-blocking resources
Improving FID
First Input Delay can be improved by:
- Breaking up long JavaScript tasks
- Using web workers for complex calculations
- Optimizing third-party scripts
- Implementing code splitting
Reducing CLS
To minimize layout shifts:
- Always include size attributes for images and videos
- Reserve space for ad slots
- Avoid inserting content above existing content
- Use CSS transforms for animations instead of properties that trigger layout changes
Monitoring Your Progress
Use tools like Injetta's Site Audit to continuously monitor your Core Web Vitals and get actionable recommendations for improvement.