What Are Web Vitals?

Web Vitals are a set of performance metrics introduced by Google to measure the user experience of a website. They help site owners understand how well their pages perform in terms of speed, responsiveness, and visual stability. Google’s Core Web Vitals are the most important subset of Web Vitals and play a key role in search rankings.

Why Are Web Vitals Important for SEO?

Web Vitals impact user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO) in several ways:

• Better rankings: Google uses Web Vitals as a ranking factor in search results.
• Lower bounce rates: Faster and more stable websites retain visitors longer.
• Higher engagement: A smoother experience improves conversions and interactions.
• Improved accessibility: Fast-loading pages enhance usability for all users.

Core Web Vitals Metrics Explained

Google’s Core Web Vitals focus on three key metrics:

Upcoming Change: Google is replacing FID with Interaction to Next Paint (INP) in 2024. INP measures overall interactivity rather than just the first input delay.

How to Improve Web Vitals Performance?

To optimize your Web Vitals scores, follow these best practices:

• Improve LCP (Loading Performance):
  • Optimize images (use WebP format, lazy loading).
  • Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster delivery.
  • Minimize render-blocking JavaScript and CSS.
• Reduce FID (Interactivity Delay):
  • Optimize JavaScript execution (use code splitting, defer loading).
  • Reduce third-party scripts and heavy plugins.
• Minimize CLS (Visual Stability Issues):
  • Set fixed dimensions for images and videos.
  • Avoid inserting dynamic content above existing content.

How to Measure Web Vitals?

You can check your Web Vitals performance using:

• Google PageSpeed Insights
• Google Search Console – Core Web Vitals Report
• Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX)
• Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools)