Does Core Web Vitals Affect SEO? Here's What You Need to Know
In search engine optimization (SEO), new factors can permanently affect a website's ranking on search engines like Google. Recently, one of the most talked-about topics has been Core Web Vitals. But what are Core Web Vitals, and do they affect SEO? Let's take a closer look.
What are Core Web Vitals?
Core Web Vitals is a set of particular website performance metrics that Google has identified as critical to the overall user experience. The three Core Web Vitals are:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) - measures the time it takes for the largest element on a webpage to load.
- First Input Delay (FID) - measures the time it takes for a user to interact with a webpage.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) - measures the visual stability of a webpage during loading.
These metrics aim to help website owners and developers understand how users experience their sites and provide a more positive user experience.
Does Core Web Vitals Affect SEO?
Yes, Core Web Vitals do affect SEO. In May 2021, Google officially announced that Core Web Vitals would become a ranking factor for search results. This means that websites with better Core Web Vitals scores may boost rankings, while websites with poor scores may be penalized.
Simply put, Google's main goal is to provide users with the best possible experience when using their search engine. Websites with good Core Web Vitals scores will likely provide a better user experience, making them more appropriate to appear higher in search results.
How to Improve Your Core Web Vitals Scores
If you're concerned about your website's Core Web Vitals scores, there are several things you can do to improve them. Here are a few tips:
- Optimize your images and videos to reduce file size and load time.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up your website's loading times.
- Minimize the use of large third-party scripts and plugins on your website.
- Use a caching plugin to improve website speed.
- Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and responsive.
- Eliminate render-blocking resources and optimize server response times.
By implementing these tips, you can improve your website's user experience and boost your Core Web Vitals scores, leading to better SEO rankings and overall website performance.
Conclusion
Core Web Vitals affect SEO and are essential to consider when optimizing your website for search engines. Improving your Core Web Vitals scores can provide a better user experience and boost your search engine rankings. So, if you haven't already, start paying attention to your website's Core Web Vitals scores today.