Key Takeaways
- Core Web Vitals are a Google ranking factor: poor scores can lower your search rankings.
- LCP < 2.5s (loading), INP < 200ms (interactivity), CLS < 0.1 (visual stability) are the three targets.
- Field data (real users via CrUX) matters more than lab data (Lighthouse). Optimize for real-world performance.
Optimizing Core Web Vitals
| Metric | Target | Top Optimizations |
|---|---|---|
| LCP (Loading) | < 2.5s | Optimize largest image, preload critical resources, use CDN |
| INP (Interactivity) | < 200ms | Break up long tasks, defer non-critical JS, optimize event handlers |
| CLS (Visual Stability) | < 0.1 | Set image dimensions, reserve space for ads/embeds, avoid dynamic content injection |
The biggest LCP win is usually optimizing the hero image: use modern formats (WebP/AVIF), appropriate sizing, and preload with `<link rel='preload'>`. This single change often improves LCP by 1-2 seconds.
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