Core Web Vitals Explained: How To Fix Site Optimization Issues

Core Web Vitals Overview

In this section, the speaker introduces Core Web Vitals and explains why they are important for website owners.

What are Core Web Vitals?

• Core Web Vitals are part of Google's page experience score which includes mobile optimization, HTTPS, and interstitial popups.

• They are part of the actual Google ranking algorithm as of May 2021.

• Users are 24% less likely to abandon webpages when they meet the Core Web Vitals standards.

Why should you care about Core Web Vitals?

• Google wants happy users and ranks websites higher when they make life easy for them.

• Optimizing for Core Web Vitals gives website owners an edge over their competitors in SEO.

Checking Your Website's Core Web Vitals

In this section, the speaker explains how to check your website's Core Web Vitals using CrUX field data and synthetic testing tools.

How to Check Your Website's Field Data Using CrUX Reports

• Google uses actual field data from Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX).

• Set up a CrUX speed report for your website at https://c.go/chromeuxdash or use Google Search Console to get a CrUX report.

• The report shows a breakdown of mobile issues on top and desktop issues at the bottom.

How to Check Your Website's Lab Data Using Synthetic Testing Tools

• Synthetic testing tools simulate the experience of a real user.

• Use various speed test tools to get quick synthetic testing data.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of optimizing for Core Web Vitals and encourages viewers to check their website's Core Web Vitals regularly.

Final Thoughts

• Optimizing for Core Web Vitals is crucial for SEO and improving user experience.

• Checking your website's Core Web Vitals regularly using CrUX field data and synthetic testing tools can help you identify issues and improve your website's performance.

Checking Core Web Vitals Scores

In this section, the speaker discusses various tools that can be used to check a website's core web vitals and speed statistics. The three main metrics to look out for are also introduced.

Checking Core Web Vitals

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures load time from clicking on the website in Google Search results until most of the content above the fold is visible. Should be faster than 2.5 seconds.

• First Input Delay (FID): Measures response time to an interaction, such as clicking on a link or filling out a form. Should be faster than 100 milliseconds.

• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measures how stable a page's layout is during loading process. Score should not be greater than 0.1.

Solving LCP and FID Issues

This section covers solutions for optimizing hosting, setting up caching, implementing lazy loading, and using cloud delivery networks to solve LCP and FID issues.

Solutions for Optimizing Hosting

• WPX Hosting: Recommended host for affiliate sites with fast speeds and great support.

• Cloudways: Recommended host for sites needing more processing power.

Setting Up Caching

• WP Rocket: Go-to plugin for DIY SEO that wants to get job done without tinkering around too much.

Implementing Lazy Loading

• WP Pocket has lazy load feature

• Autooptimize does as well

Using Cloud Delivery Network

• Use a cloud delivery network to speed up website loading times.

Optimizing Core Web Vitals for SEO

In this section, the speaker discusses how to optimize Core Web Vitals for SEO. The speaker provides five steps to optimize Core Web Vitals.

Five Steps to Optimize Core Web Vitals

• Step 1: Compress images using ShortPixel or compressor.io and use .WEBP format for images.

• Step 2: Clean house and remove any scripts you don't need, including old plugins that are no longer in use. Use Google Tag Manager to defer third-party scripts from loading until after the page is loaded. Use Cloudflare or WP Rocket to defer any leftover scripts.

• Step 3: Upgrade to HTTPS as it uses HTP2 which is faster than HTP1.

• Step 4: Use a speed optimization service like WP Speed Fix or NitroPack to optimize your site for you if all of these steps sound like a lot of work.

• Step 5: Diagnose what part of your site is loading slow by using GSE's Core Web Vitals tools, Autooptimize, or hiring a company like WP Speed Fix.

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

• CLS issues often arise because one part of your layout loads slower than everything else does. Diagnose what part of your site is loading slow by using GSE's Core Web Vitals tools, Autooptimize, or hiring a company like WP Speed Fix.

Importance of Optimizing Core Web Vitals

• While optimizing core web vitals may not be a huge ranking factor, it is still important for good SEO practices. As an SEO specialist, it's important to take advantage of every edge that you can get.