What Are Google Core Web Vitals? A Content Creator’s Perspective
Think it’s just good content that will land you at the top of Google? Think again. Google is always looking for ways to improve the results it delivers to searchers. So, to absolutely no one’s surprise, it’s rolling out yet another set of ranking signals that content creators and developers will need to heed. They’re called Core Web Vitals. This isn’t even really news. Back in November 2020, Google announced that Core Web Vitals would become ranking signals in May 2021. Since then, we’ve been slowly ticking down to the moment. ⏲️ In other words, if your page loads slowly or doesn’t respond to user actions, it’s now going to negatively affect your SERPs. That’s a pretty big deal for content creators as well as developers. Here’s a closer look at what Core Web Vitals are, how the evaluator guidelines are moving steadily toward an emphasis on the page experience, and what content creators can do to improve their Core Web Vitals rankings. Let’s go! What Are Core Web Vitals? Core Web Vitals are specific factors Google considers important when determining the quality of the overall user experience your page provides. They consist of three metrics related to loading, interactivity, and visual stability. You’ll see them respectively referred to with three different acronyms: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP). The amount of time it takes to render the largest visible content block. In plain English, that means the time it takes for it to be obvious to your users that the page is loading. First Input Delay (FID). The amount of time between when a user interacts with an element on your page – like clicking a link – and when that element actually responds. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). The sum total of all layout that which occur unexpectedly over the lifespan of the page. Layout shifts occur when a visual element like an image or heading unexpectedly re-arranges the content around it – such as when you make a browser window larger or smaller. In other words, Google is now interested in knowing how long your site takes to load, how quickly it responds to a user’s actions, and how well it holds its layout together in the face of different browsers, devices, or screen sizes. Google then uses numerical measurements to rank each Core Web Vital as “good,” “needs improvement,” or “poor.” The specific thresholds are as follows: To see how your site is performing, you can now find the metrics tracked in Google Console. Under the Enhancements section, there will be a Web Vitals Report. The Rise of the Page Experience Ranking Signals This shift towards page experience represents just one more way in which the internet is pivoting towards an increased emphasis on user experience (UX). Not that users haven’t been demanding good design and good experiences for ages. In 2021, 75% of all users are basing their opinions on your brand by how easy it is for them to use your site. Some 80% of them won’t trust you if you deliver a bad one. They’ll run. ?♀️ The decision to include Core Web Vitals as a ranking signal is simply a reflection of where things have been headed for a while. But, I hear you ask, isn’t this an issue for developers? What does this have to do with us? Why do content creators need to care about Core Web Vitals? ? Good questions! [bctt tweet=”What are Google’s Core Web Vitals? What do they have to do with UX and page experience? ? Most of all… Why should you care as a #contentcreator? Get the lowdown on @ExpWriters ☑” username=””] What the Core Web Vitals Mean for Content Creators We’ve known for a while that written content can be optimized for maximum readability. Things like giant blocks of text, illegible fonts, and badly formatted headings can negate even the most eloquently written content. However, for a long time, those were overlooked elements with ranking. Google focused highly on content quality – i.e. the quality of the writing itself – and it used to be that those things had minimal impacts on your SERPs. You might have experienced: Higher bounce rates Lower time spent on site Slower page load speeds Google would notice those, and you’d slip down in rank. But, by and large, you could recover if your keyword usage was on point with the search intent, or if you had robust, authoritative citations. What the Core Web Vitals now mean is that Google is evaluating your site against a set of criteria before it even receives feedback via user behavior. In other words, you now must pay attention to the user experience you’re creating when your content is created. That means things like: Paying closer attention to how text flows Using headings correctly Properly formatting and coding images or embedded videos Thoughtfully selecting your font Putting more consideration into what your buttons say (and where they’re located!) Whether you insert CTAs onto your page Whether you use pop-ups to encourage newsletter signups Core Web Vitals are just one more way that Google is encouraging us to take a holistic view when crafting content for our audience. While they’re quick to point out that good design doesn’t override exceptional content, they do expect that your content and your design complement one another. In short, content creation is no longer about just the content itself. It’s now about the experience you’re creating with your content. ☝️ The Core Web Vitals are just one out of many signals Google uses to rank your page experience. You should be familiar with others, including mobile-friendliness and HTTPS! Source: Google How to Improve Your Core Web Vitals (as a Content Creator!) Google wants us to create exceptional content, but they also want it to be easy to access and use. Bringing the Core Web Vitals online as a ranking signal is expected to shake things up, so make sure you’re ready. A study in August 2020 suggested less than 15% … Read more