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The Impact of Core Web Vitals on SEO in 2023

By Sahil Khanna
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In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, one guideline that is gaining significant traction in 2023 is the focus on Core Web Vitals. These metrics are a crucial part of Google’s Page Experience update, which emphasizes the importance of not just informative and relevant content, but also a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

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Understanding Core Web Vitals

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Core Web Vitals consist of three key performance metrics:

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  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This metric measures the loading performance of a page—specifically, how long it takes for the largest content element visible in the viewport to load. An ideal LCP measurement is 2.5 seconds or faster.

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  • First Input Delay (FID): This metric assesses interactivity, recording the time from when a user first interacts with your site (like clicking a button) to the time when the browser responds to that interaction. A good FID score is less than 100 milliseconds.

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  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): This measures visual stability, quantifying how much visible page content shifts around after loading. A CLS score under 0.1 is considered good.

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Why Core Web Vitals Matter for SEO

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Google’s algorithm updates have always prioritized user satisfaction, and Core Web Vitals are directly linked to improving user experience. Websites that provide a smooth, fast, and stable user experience will likely see improved rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs).

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Moreover, as mobile internet usage continues to rise, optimizing these metrics ensures that your site is competitive in both desktop and mobile searches. Faster load times and responsive design lead to lower bounce rates, longer session durations, and higher engagement.

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How to Optimize for Core Web Vitals

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Here are some strategies to improve your Core Web Vitals:

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  • Optimize Images and Videos: Ensure that your media files are appropriately compressed and served in next-gen formats like WebP or AVIF. This helps in minimizing loading times and reduces LCP.

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  • Implement Efficient Loading Strategies: Lazy loading offscreen images can significantly enhance your LCP and CLS metrics. This delays loading non-critical images until a user interacts with them.

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  • Minimize JavaScript: Reducing and deferring JavaScript can enhance your FID. Tools like Lighthouse can help identify and mitigate script-related bottlenecks.

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  • Stabilize Layouts: Use size attributes for any media files in CSS or HTML to ensure the browser allocates space during loading. This can prevent layout shifts that affect your CLS score.

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Conclusion

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Staying ahead in the SEO game requires more than just content optimization. By prioritizing Core Web Vitals, you not only comply with current SEO guidelines but also contribute to a superior user experience. As search engines evolve to reflect user-centric values, ensuring your site meets these standards will be crucial in maintaining high visibility and engagement in 2023 and beyond.

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Sahil Khanna

Sahil Khanna is a dedicated engineer and digital architect, committed to creating products that deliver genuine value to end users. With a strong background in leadership, Sahil has led diverse teams across multiple industries, from logistics to technology, where he believes that effective leadership and accountability are the foundations of a successful team. In a bold career move, Sahil left the engineering world to found Sunshine Construction in 2018 after witnessing the exploitation of small business owners by digital marketing firms. His decision was driven by a desire to gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the complexities within this emerging industry. Under his leadership, Sunshine Construction has flourished, reflecting his ability to adapt and thrive in a new domain. Despite his focus on construction, Sahil remains connected to his roots in digital technology. He continues to consult on digital marketing initiatives and programming, bringing a unique and diverse perspective to the table. His expertise in both fields allows him to bridge the gap between traditional industries and modern digital solutions, making him a versatile and innovative leader. Sahil’s journey in technology is marked by significant roles, including his tenure as Chief Executive Officer at Sunshine Construction, Director of Engineering & Technology at Impacto, LLC, and Vice President of Technology at Native Rank. His leadership experience extends to logistics, where he managed outbound operations at UPS, ensuring operational excellence and team development. Educationally, Sahil holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science from the Community College of Denver. He has further expanded his skill set through certifications, including The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from Google and Technical Support Fundamentals from Coursera. Sahil’s diverse experience across engineering, digital marketing, and construction, combined with his commitment to continuous learning and leadership, makes him a dynamic and innovative force in both the traditional and digital worlds.

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