Here Is Why Google Core Web Vitals Matter

23 September 2021

Ranking on search engines can make a difference in how successful a business can be. After all, showing up among the first results on Google means increased visibility, higher brand awareness, and, in turn, more sales.

However, Google’s search algorithms are always changing and improving - and substantial updates such as Core Web Vitals can have an important impact on how sites rank and ranking metrics.

While Google gave the industry plenty of notice about the introduction of Core Web Vitals in May 2021, understanding these changes have never been so important to maintain your site’s ranking and provide your users with the right experience. Here is all you need to know.

What Are Google Core Web Vitals

Core Web Vitals are designed as a collection of metrics that are user-centred and defining the user experience. The metrics below quantify important aspects such as page load time, stability of content, and interactivity, thus ensuring that the site is providing certain UX standards. The three metrics included in the Core Web Vitals are:

  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) – this metric grades the time elapsed from clicking on a page link to when the page appears on the screen.
  • First Input Delay (FID) – this refers to how long it takes for the user to be able to interact with your page.
  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) – this metric grades the page’s visual and content stability.

Some other factors rated through the new Google Core Web Vitals include:

  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Safe browsing
  • Security procedures (HTTPS and SSL/TLS certificates)
  • No intrusive ads and popups.

So, Why Do Web Core Vitals Matter?

So, now you know what Core Web Vitals are, when they have been introduced, and what their role is. But why do they matter to your website?

Google Core Web Vitals are there to ensure that the sites and pages that rank the highest provide high standards of User Experience, including high levels of responsiveness, interactivity, speed, and security.

Through the most recent changes to the search algorithm, Google has boosted the importance of User Experience, causing it to become the most influential ranking metric after content. In turn, keeping your site’s Web Core Vitals current can make a difference in how your website will rank on Google.

This is also something to consider if you have a successful SEO and ranking strategy: everything is changing, and without meeting the standards highlighted above, your site can lose its privileged position at the top of Google SERP!

Enhance Your Site’s Performance

If you are concerned about keeping up your site’s Google ranking after Core Web Vitals are introduced, you should consider undergoing a professional audit. After all, factors such as large image files, CSS files, Javascripts, and certain more intrusive ads can impact the User Experience and thus penalize your site.

If you are unsure about what the first step to take is, getting in touch with Wida Group can help you better understand your site, rethink your strategy, and keep your site’s ranking on Google. Get in touch today to know more.