Core Web Vitals: How to Fix LCP, FID, and CLS for Better SEO Rankings
Callan Pyfer
Founder & SEO Expert
Quick Overview
Core Web Vitals are user experience metrics that Google uses as ranking factors. The three main metrics are Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). Optimizing these can significantly improve both user experience and search rankings.
Google's Core Web Vitals have become essential ranking factors that every website owner needs to understand and optimize. These metrics directly impact user experience and can make the difference between ranking on page one or getting buried in search results.
What Are Core Web Vitals?
Core Web Vitals are a set of three user-centric performance metrics that Google considers essential for delivering a great web experience:
LCP
Largest Contentful Paint
Measures loading performance. Good LCP is 2.5 seconds or faster.
FID
First Input Delay
Measures interactivity. Good FID is 100 milliseconds or less.
CLS
Cumulative Layout Shift
Measures visual stability. Good CLS is 0.1 or less.
How to Fix Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
LCP measures how long it takes for the largest visible element to load. Here's how to optimize it:
Optimize Images
Use next-gen image formats like WebP, implement lazy loading, and ensure proper image sizing.
Improve Server Response Times
Use a CDN, optimize database queries, and consider upgrading your hosting plan.
Eliminate Render-Blocking Resources
Minimize CSS and JavaScript, defer non-critical resources, and inline critical CSS.
How to Fix First Input Delay (FID)
FID measures the time between user interaction and browser response:
- Break up long tasks: Split JavaScript execution into smaller chunks
- Reduce JavaScript execution time: Remove unused code and optimize critical paths
- Use web workers: Move heavy computations off the main thread
- Reduce third-party impact: Audit and optimize external scripts
How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
CLS measures unexpected layout shifts. Here's how to prevent them:
Common CLS Causes and Solutions
Tools for Measuring Core Web Vitals
Testing Tools
- • Google PageSpeed Insights
- • Google Search Console
- • Chrome DevTools
- • GTmetrix
- • WebPageTest
Monitoring Tools
- • Real User Monitoring (RUM)
- • Chrome User Experience Report
- • Google Analytics
- • Core Web Vitals Extension
- • Lighthouse CI
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on Real User Data
While lab data from tools like PageSpeed Insights is helpful for development, Google uses real user data (CrUX) for ranking. Monitor your Core Web Vitals in Search Console and focus on improvements that impact actual users.
Action Steps for Better Core Web Vitals
Audit Current Performance
Use Google PageSpeed Insights and Search Console to identify current issues
Prioritize Quick Wins
Start with image optimization and eliminating render-blocking resources
Monitor and Iterate
Set up continuous monitoring and make iterative improvements
Need Help Optimizing Your Core Web Vitals?
Our technical SEO experts can audit your website and implement the optimizations needed to improve your Core Web Vitals scores and search rankings.