Core Web Vitals
Google's set of page experience metrics: LCP (loading speed), CLS (visual stability), and INP (interactivity). They're confirmed ranking factors. If your site fails these, you're losing positions.
Why It Matters
Core Web Vitals are the rare case where Google explicitly tells you what they measure and confirms it affects rankings. LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) measures how fast your main content loads. CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) measures whether elements jump around as the page loads. INP (Interaction to Next Paint) measures how responsive the page is to user input.
Failing Core Web Vitals won't tank a page with great content and strong links. But all else being equal, the faster, more stable page wins. And in competitive niches, that edge matters.
In Practice
Measure your Core Web Vitals using PageSpeed Insights, Google Search Console, and Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX). CrUX data is what Google actually uses for rankings - lab data is useful for debugging but doesn't directly affect your scores.
Common fixes: Optimise images and use modern formats (WebP, AVIF). Set explicit dimensions on images and embeds to prevent layout shift. Defer non-critical JavaScript. Use a CDN. Minimise third-party scripts.
Prioritise pages by impact. Fix Core Web Vitals on your highest-traffic, highest-value pages first.
Related Terms
Glossary
Page Speed
How fast your pages load - a confirmed ranking factor that affects conversions too.
Glossary
Technical SEO
Optimising your site's infrastructure so search engines can crawl, render, and index it.
Glossary
Mobile-First Indexing
Google uses the mobile version of your site for indexing and ranking - not desktop.
Glossary
User Experience (UX)
How easy and enjoyable your site is to use - bad UX directly hurts rankings.
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