Web Performance: Core Web Vitals Explained

Core Web Vitals are Google's user-experience metrics: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Interaction to Next Paint (INP), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). They affect rankings and — more importantly — whether visitors stay and convert.

Optimize hero images (WebP/AVIF, proper sizing), preload critical fonts, and reduce server response time. LCP should hit under 2.5 seconds on mobile for a good score.

Break up long JavaScript tasks, defer non-critical scripts, and audit third-party widgets that block the main thread. Users notice lag on forms and menus before Google flags it.

Set width and height on images and embeds, reserve space for ads and banners, and avoid injecting content above existing UI after load. Stable layouts feel professional and reduce bounce.