Core Web Vitals (CWV) is part of an initiative created by Google to improve site performance for site visitors. Started in 2021, the initiative is now in full effect.
So what are core web vitals?
Core Web Vitals are a set of specific website performance metrics that Google has identified as important for delivering a good user experience. There are three core web vitals:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This measures how long it takes for the largest piece of content on a webpage to become visible to the user.
- First Input Delay (FID): This measures how long it takes for a webpage to respond to the user’s first interaction, such as clicking a button or link.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): This measures how much the content on a webpage moves around while it’s loading, which can be frustrating for users.
Google uses these metrics as part of their algorithm to rank websites in search results, so it’s important for website owners to pay attention to them and work to improve their website’s performance in these areas.
How often should you check core web vitals
It’s a good practice to regularly monitor and check the core web vitals of your website to ensure that it is performing well and providing a good user experience. As website content and functionality change over time, the core web vitals may also change, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and make adjustments as needed.
The real world reports are generated from the previous 28 days of data so we recommend checking your core web vitals at least once a month to stay on top of any issues that may arise.
You can use various online tools, such as Google’s PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse, to test your website’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
You should also check your core web vitals after making significant changes to your website to ensure that those changes haven’t negatively impacted performance.
If a website has poor core web vitals score, does that affect their ranking?
Yes, a website’s core web vitals score can have an impact on its ranking in Google’s search results. In May 2021, Google updated its search algorithm to include core web vitals as a ranking factor. This means that websites with good core web vitals scores may be ranked higher than websites with poor scores, all else being equal.
BUT, it’s important to note that core web vitals are just one of many factors that Google considers when ranking websites. The relevance and quality of the content on a website, as well as its overall user experience, are also important factors. So, while improving core web vitals can certainly help boost a website’s ranking, it’s not a guarantee of success on its own. Website owners should focus on providing a high-quality user experience overall, of which core web vitals are just a part.
What if I read this article and still don't know how to update (or want to deal with) my site's core web vitals?
Not a problem. Starting in May 2023, if you are a Website Care Member 2 or Care Member Plus, we will monitor your core web vitals at least once a month and make improvements as needed.
If you are a Care Member 1, we will still make sure your site has the latest software, passes security checks, has daily backups, and we’ll fix any technical conflicts, in addition to giving discounts on additional site changes. 👍
If it isn’t time to upgrade your membership, you can do a CWV Check add-on for $30/month. Or open a ticket with us and we’ll check CWV at your request.
I hope your day is as awesome as you are,
Maggie