What Is Core Web Vitals?
Quick Answer
Core Web Vitals are three specific metrics Google uses to measure real-world user experience on a webpage: loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability — used as a direct factor in Google's search rankings.
The Three Core Web Vitals
| Metric | Measures | Good Target |
|---|---|---|
| LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) | Loading speed | Under 2.5 seconds |
| INP (Interaction to Next Paint) | Responsiveness | Under 200 milliseconds |
| CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) | Visual stability | Under 0.1 |
Why Do Core Web Vitals Matter for a Small Business?
- They're a confirmed Google ranking factor, not just a general best practice.
- Poor scores often point to real problems visitors are quietly experiencing, like layout jumping while a page loads.
How Do You Check Core Web Vitals?
Google's free PageSpeed Insights or Search Console report all three metrics for any URL, based on real visitor data where available.
Key Takeaways
- Core Web Vitals measure loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
- They're a confirmed, direct Google ranking factor.
- Free tools like PageSpeed Insights report your actual scores.
How NetNav Helps
NetNav reports your Core Web Vitals scores alongside specific, prioritized fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Core Web Vitals affect SEO?
Yes — Google has confirmed they're a ranking factor, though content relevance still matters more overall.
What's a common cause of poor Cumulative Layout Shift?
Images or ads loading without a reserved space, causing the rest of the page to visually jump as they load in.
Can I improve Core Web Vitals myself without a developer?
Some fixes (image compression, removing unused plugins) are DIY-friendly; others (code-level optimization) may need technical help.