In May 2021, Google implemented a significant update to its search algorithm that has reshaped the SEO landscape. This update introduced Core Web Vitals as a critical ranking factor. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about this update and how you can optimize your website to meet these new standards.

What are Core Web Vitals?

Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics focused on user experience, specifically in three key areas:

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP):
   • Description: Measures the time it takes for the main content of the page to load.
   • Goal: Less than 2.5 seconds.
2. First Input Delay (FID):
   • Description: Measures the time it takes for a page to become interactive
   • Goal: Less than 100 milliseconds.
3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS):
   • Description: Measures visual stability by evaluating how much visible content shifts on a page while it loads.
   • Goal: Less than 0.1.

Why are Core Web Vitals important?

Google has always prioritized user experience, and these metrics provide a clear and quantifiable way to measure that experience. A good performance in Core Web Vitals will not only improve your ranking in search results but also provide a better experience for your visitors, which can increase dwell time and conversion rates.

How to optimize your website for Core Web Vitals

1. Improve Largest Contentful Paint (LCP):

• Image Optimization: Compress and optimize images. Use next-generation formats like WebP.
• Resource Loading: Minimize critical resource loading time. Use preloading for essential resources.
• Fast Servers: Utilize fast hosting service and a Content Delivery Network (CDN).

2. Reduce First Input Delay (FID):

• Asynchronous JavaScript: Minimize JavaScript usage and utilize asynchronous loading.
• Script Minification: Minify your CSS and JavaScript files to reduce size and improve loading times.
• Third-party Optimization: Reduce the impact of third-party scripts that may affect interactivity.

3. Improve Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

• Fixed Dimensions: Ensure all elements have fixed dimensions to prevent unexpected shifts.
• Font Loading: Use efficient font loading to prevent unexpected font changes.
• Ads and Embeds: Ensure ads and other embedded elements have reserved space.

Tools to measure and improve Core Web Vitals

There are several tools you can use to measure and improve your Core Web Vitals:

• Google PageSpeed Insights: Provides a detailed overview of your website’s performance and improvement suggestions.
• Lighthouse: An automated tool for enhancing web page quality.
• Google Search Console: Offers specific reports on the performance of Core Web Vitals on your site.

Conclusion

Google‘s 2021 algorithm update introducing Core Web Vitals as a ranking factor underscores the importance of user experience in SEO. By optimizing your website for these metrics, you not only improve your ranking in search results but also provide a superior experience to your users, potentially leading to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Ensure you conduct regular audits of your site using the mentioned tools and stay updated with best practices to ensure your site meets Core Web Vitals standards.

Continuous Optimization with Balear Online

In our website maintenance service, optimization to the latest Google standards is included. Moving forward, we will be offering this service for free in our upcoming projects.

If you want to learn more about Balear Online agency services, click here. See you next time!