Master Core Web Vitals and UX signals that impact your search rankings. Learn how to optimize LCP, FID/INP, CLS, and create better user experiences that Google rewards.
Google Page Experience is a set of signals that measure how users experience interacting with a web page beyond its pure information value. Since 2021, these signals have been a confirmed ranking factor in Google's search algorithm.
💡 It's not just about what's on your page—it's about how users experience your page.
Google evaluates these signals to determine page experience quality and ranking potential.
Three critical metrics that measure loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability.
How well your site works on mobile devices, including responsive design and touch-friendly elements.
Whether your site is free from malicious or deceptive content that could harm visitors.
Your site must use HTTPS encryption to protect user data and privacy.
Pages shouldn't use pop-ups or overlays that make content difficult to access on mobile.
The three most critical metrics that directly impact your search rankings.
What it measures: How long it takes for the largest visible content element (image, video, or text block) to render on screen.
Why it matters: Measures perceived loading speed. If users wait too long to see content, they bounce.
What it measures: How long it takes for a page to respond when a user first interacts (clicks, taps, or presses a key). INP measures overall responsiveness throughout page lifecycle.
Why it matters: Measures interactivity. Users expect immediate feedback when they interact with your site.
What it measures: How much unexpected layout shift occurs during the entire lifespan of a page. Measures visual stability.
Why it matters: Prevents frustrating experiences where buttons move just as you're about to click them.
While not official Core Web Vitals, these metrics impact user experience and indirectly affect rankings.
How quickly your server responds with the first byte of data. While not a Core Web Vital, it affects LCP.
The total weight of all resources (HTML, CSS, JS, images, etc.) that need to be downloaded.
How many separate resources the browser must request to fully load the page.
When the browser renders the first bit of content from the DOM (text, image, SVG, or canvas).
Essential tools to measure, monitor, and improve your Core Web Vitals.
Analyzes page performance and provides lab + field data for Core Web Vitals
Shows Core Web Vitals data for all your pages based on real user data (CrUX)
Provides detailed performance audits with specific recommendations
Shows real-time Core Web Vitals as you browse, overlaid on the page
Comprehensive performance analysis with waterfall charts and video playback
Advanced testing with filmstrip view, connection throttling, and multi-location testing
Follow this systematic approach to improve your page experience metrics.
Establish baseline metrics using Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights
Focus on issues affecting the most important pages and users first
Images are the most common cause of poor LCP and large page sizes
Reduce, defer, and optimize JavaScript to improve FID/INP
Faster TTFB improves LCP and overall page load
Page Experience optimization is ongoing, not a one-time fix
Low-effort changes that can significantly improve your Core Web Vitals.
Enable Gzip or Brotli compression on your server. Usually a one-line config change.
Add loading='lazy' attribute to all images below the fold. Native browser feature.
Add width and height attributes to all <img> tags. Use actual pixel dimensions.
Use build tools (Webpack, Vite) or plugins to automatically minify code.
Add <link rel='preload'> for critical fonts, CSS, or hero images in <head>.
Use PurgeCSS or similar tools to remove CSS not used on each page.
Learn from these frequent optimization errors that waste time and don't improve results.
Why: Lab data (Lighthouse) doesn't represent real users. Field data (CrUX) is what Google uses for rankings.
Why: Google uses mobile-first indexing. Most users are on mobile. Mobile performance matters more.
Why: Every analytics tool, chat widget, and ad network slows your site and hurts Core Web Vitals.
Why: Missing width/height attributes on images is the #1 cause of CLS issues.
Why: Getting 100/100 in PageSpeed Insights doesn't directly improve rankings. Real user experience does.
Why: Ads, embeds, and dynamically loaded content without reserved space cause layout shifts.
See how improving Core Web Vitals translated into business results.
Our technical SEO experts can audit your site, fix Core Web Vitals issues, and dramatically improve your page experience scores. Get a free audit today.
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