Core Web Vitals: everything you need to know!

Find out all about Core Web Vitals, the metrics that affect the performance of your website. Learn how to measure and optimize them to improve your site's loading speed, interactivity and visual stability. Don't let these essential elements slip through your fingers!

In this article, you'll discover everything you need to know about Core Web Vitals, the crucial metrics that impact your website's performance. Core Web Vitals play an essential role in theuser experience and in the referencing of your site by search engines. Learn how to measure and optimize these vitals to improve your site's loading speed, interactivity and visual stability. Don't let these essential elements slip through your fingers, as they could mean the difference between success and dissatisfaction for your site's visitors.

What are Core Web Vitals?

Core Web Vitals definition

Core Web Vitals are a series of indicators of web performance which measure the user experience on a website. They were introduced by Google to help site owners evaluate and improve the quality of their web pages.

Why are Core Web Vitals important?

Core Web Vitals are important because they give a clear indication of a website's quality and usability. By taking these indicators into account, site owners can improve the user experience, which can have a direct impact on the site's ranking in search results. Optimal web performance is essential for attracting and retaining users, increasing conversion rates and enhancing a website's reputation.

Core Web Vitals indicators

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measures the time it takes to display the largest visible element of a page's main content. In other words, it evaluates the page's loading speed. A good LCP score means that the page loads quickly and offers a smooth user experience.

First Input Delay (FID)

First Input Delay (FID) measures the time it takes for a page to respond to a user's first interaction, such as clicking a button or filling in a form. A good FID score means that the page is responsive and that the user can interact with it quickly.

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) measures the cumulative shift of page elements during loading. A good CLS score means that page elements don't move unexpectedly, providing a stable, uninterrupted user experience.

How do you measure Core Web Vitals?

Core Web Vitals measurement tools

There are several tools available for measuring Core Web Vitals. In particular, Google offers the PageSpeed Insights tool, which provides detailed information on page performance and Core Web Vitals. Google Search Console also provides Core Web Vitals data for registered sites. Other third-party tools, such as WebPageTest and GTmetrix, also measure Core Web Vitals.

Interpretation of results

When analyzing Core Web Vitals results, it's important to take into account the thresholds recommended by Google. Indicators must respect the thresholds to deliver an optimal user experience. If results are outside the recommended thresholds, improvements can be made by optimizing page loading speed, reducing server response time and optimizing images and resources.

Core Web Vitals thresholds

What thresholds must be reached?

Google has defined specific thresholds for each Core Web Vitals indicator to determine whether a page is considered to offer a good user experience. For Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), the recommended threshold is less than 2.5 seconds. For First Input Delay (FID), the recommended threshold is less than 100 milliseconds. For Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), the recommended threshold is less than 0.1.

SEO implications

Core Web Vitals influence a site's ranking in search results. Google has announced that Core Web Vitals will become an important ranking factor from May 2021. This means that sites offering a better user experience with good Core Web Vitals indicators have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.

Best practices for improving Core Web Vitals

Page load speed optimization

To improve Core Web Vitals, it's essential to optimize page loading speed. This can be done by reducing file sizes, using caching, compressing images and using asynchronous loading techniques. It is recommended to use performance optimization tools such as caching plugins and image compression tools to improve page loading speed.

Reduced server response time

Another way to improve Core Web Vitals is to reduce server response time. To achieve this, it's important to use reliable, high-performance hosting, optimize site code and reduce server demands. Setting up a solid server infrastructure and regularly updating software can help reduce server response time.

Image and resource optimization

Optimizing images and resources is also crucial to improving Core Web Vitals. We recommend compressing images without compromising visual quality, using progressive image loading and minimizing the use of scripts and external resources. Reducing file size and optimizing files can improve page loading speed and reduce server response time.

Mistakes to avoid for Core Web Vitals

Excessive use of JavaScript

One of the mistakes to avoid for Core Web Vitals is the excessive use of JavaScript. Heavy JavaScript code can slow down page loading and lead to poor Core Web Vitals indicators. We recommend minimizing the use of JavaScript and optimizing existing code to improve web performance.

Intrusive advertising

Intrusive advertising can also have a negative impact on Core Web Vitals. Poorly designed or excessively numerous ads can lead to page loading delays and a poor user experience. It's important to optimize the placement and number of ads on the site so as not to compromise web performance.

Pop-ups and modal windows

Pop-ups and modal windows can also be detrimental to Core Web Vitals. They can interrupt the user experience and cause page loading delays. It's advisable to limit the use of pop-ups and modal windows, and to ensure that they don't disrupt the user experience.browsing experience users.

The impact of Core Web Vitals on SEO

Core Web Vitals signals for site ranking

Core Web Vitals have become an important signal for site ranking in Google search results. By improving Core Web Vitals indicators, sites have a better chance of ranking higher. It's essential to take these indicators into account to optimize SEO and achieve a higher ranking. online visibility.

The importance of Core Web Vitals for users

Core Web Vitals are also important for users. An optimal user experience is essential to attracting and retaining website visitors. Fast loading times, a responsive site and a stable layout all contribute to a pleasant and convincing user experience.

Core Web Vitals benefits for users

A better browsing experience

Core Web Vitals are designed to enhance the user's browsing experience. Fast loading times, responsive interactions and a stable layout ensure a smooth, uninterrupted experience. Users can navigate the site more easily and find the information they're looking for more quickly.

Faster loading times

Core Web Vitals also aim to reduce page loading times. Faster loading times allow users to access content quickly and avoid unnecessary waiting. This contributes to a positive user experience and can increase the conversion rate on the site.

Core Web Vitals and the user experience

The importance of user experience for websites

User experience is an essential element for websites. Optimal performance, intuitive navigation, appealing design and a clear quality content are all aspects that contribute to a positive user experience. Sites that offer an optimal user experience have a better chance of attracting and retaining users.

How Core Web Vitals influence the user experience

Core Web Vitals play a key role in improving user experience. By measuring indicators such as loading time, responsiveness and layout stability, they enable site owners to identify potential problems and resolve them to deliver an optimal user experience. By focusing on improving Core Web Vitals, sites can offer their users a better browsing experience.

Conclusion

Core Web Vitals are essential indicators for assessing and improving website performance. By taking these indicators into account and improving them, site owners can offer an optimal user experience, which can have a positive impact on their ranking in search results. It's important to measure Core Web Vitals, optimize web performance and provide a smooth browsing experience to attract and retain users.