Core Web Vitals are a trio of user experience metrics that play a critical role in assessing the overall health and performance of a website. These metrics focus on three key aspects:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This metric evaluates the perceived load speed by measuring the time it takes for the largest content element on the page to render. A fast LCP contributes to the sense that the page is loading quickly for the user.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): CLS quantifies the stability of a page by determining the frequency and magnitude of unexpected shifts in the page’s layout. A low CLS score indicates a more stable and visually consistent user experience.
- First Input Delay (FID): FID measures the responsiveness of a page by calculating the time from a user’s first interaction with a page (e.g., clicking a link, tapping a button) to the time when the browser is actually able to begin processing event handlers in response to that interaction. As FID requires real user interaction, it cannot be simulated in a lab setting. Therefore, Total Blocking Time (TBT) is often used as a reliable lab-based approximation to gauge interactivity before user input.
These Core Web Vitals offer a user-centric perspective on website performance, with each metric reflecting a distinct facet of the user’s real-world experience. They are categorized into three status levels: Poor, Needs Improvement, and Good, enabling website owners to quickly identify areas for enhancement. By focusing on these metrics, NoN Agency helps clients optimize their websites not just for search engines, but for the people who use them.