Optimizing Core Web Vitals for Better SEO
Learn how to improve your Core Web Vitals scores (LCP, INP, CLS) to boost your search rankings and user experience.
By Jose Da Costa••10 min read
PerformanceCore Web VitalsSEO
# Optimizing Core Web Vitals for Better SEO
Core Web Vitals are essential metrics that Google uses to measure user experience. Let's explore how to optimize each vital for better SEO performance.
## Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
LCP measures loading performance. To provide a good user experience, LCP should occur within 2.5 seconds of when the page first starts loading.
**Optimization tips:**
- Use `next/image` with `priority` for above-the-fold images
- Implement server-side rendering (SSR) or static generation
- Optimize server response times
## Interaction to Next Paint (INP)
INP measures interactivity and responsiveness. A good INP score is 200 milliseconds or less.
**Optimization tips:**
- Minimize JavaScript execution time
- Break up long tasks
- Use code splitting
## Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
CLS measures visual stability. Pages should maintain a CLS of 0.1 or less.
**Optimization tips:**
- Always include size attributes on images and videos
- Use `next/font` to prevent font-loading shifts
- Avoid inserting content above existing content
## Monitoring
Use tools like Google Search Console, Lighthouse, and PageSpeed Insights to monitor your Core Web Vitals regularly.