In the digital world, having a pretty website isn’t enough. To truly succeed and grab the attention of both users and search engines, your website must also deliver an amazing user experience (UX). That’s where Google’s Core Web Vitals come in. These three specific metrics, introduced by Google as part of its Page Experience signals, measure the real-world user experience for loading performance, interactivity and visual stability.

Since their launch Core Web Vitals have become a direct ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. For businesses, understanding and optimising these vitals isn’t just about pleasing Google; it’s about providing a seamless experience that reduces bounce rates, increases engagement and drives conversions. Ignoring Core Web Vitals in 2025 risks lower organic visibility and losing customers to competitors who prioritise SEO and page experience.

This article will break down what Core Web Vitals are, why they are important for your website and how to make sure your business meets Google’s standards for a great page experience.

What Are the Three Core Web Vitals?

Core Web Vitals measure three aspects of UX: loading, interactivity and visual stability. Google scores each metric as “Good”, “Needs Improvement” or “Poor”.

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

What it measures: The time it takes for the largest content element (e.g. hero image or heading) to load in the viewport.

Why it matters: A slow LCP leads to frustration and high bounce rates. Users expect 2–3 second loads, beyond which bounce rates increase (Website Speedy).

Good score: 2.5s or faster.

How to improve: Optimise server response, compress images, use modern formats like WebP, and defer render-blocking resources. Our website design services integrate these optimisations by default.

2. Interaction to Next Paint (INP)

What it measures: Latency of user interactions (clicks, taps, keyboard inputs). Replaced First Input Delay in 2024.

Why it matters: High INP = delayed responses, user frustration, abandonment of tasks. Quick feedback boosts conversions.

Good score: 200ms or less.

How to improve: Reduce JavaScript complexity, break up long tasks, use Web Workers and defer third-party scripts. If you need expert help, see our technical SEO services.

3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

What it measures: Unexpected shifts of page elements.

Why it matters: Layout shifts cause misclicks and abandonment. A low CLS ensures stability (Local Digital Australia).

Good score: 0.1 or less.

How to improve: Define image/video dimensions, reserve ad space, preload fonts, and avoid inserting content above existing elements.

Why Core Web Vitals Matter for Your Business in 2025

1. Direct Ranking Factor

Google has stated CWV are part of Page Experience signals that impact rankings. Content remains king, but CWV can be the tiebreaker (Search Engine Land).

2. Better User Experience (UX)

Fast, responsive, stable websites engage users, reduce frustration and build stronger brand perception.

3. Higher Conversion Rates

Good UX = higher conversions. Slow, unstable sites cause abandonment (Website Speedy).

4. Lower Bounce Rates

Optimised CWV keeps visitors engaged longer, increasing chances of lead generation.

5. Mobile-First Dominance

Mobile-first indexing means CWV scores on mobile carry more weight. Businesses must ensure responsive mobile web design to compete (Seologist).

6. Competitive Advantage

Most businesses still lag in CWV optimisation. Addressing them now gives you an edge.

Tools to Measure Core Web Vitals

• Google Search Console: CWV report with field data.
• PageSpeed Insights: Field + lab data with specific fixes.
• Lighthouse: Chrome DevTools audit for performance, SEO, accessibility.
• Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX): Real-world CWV dataset.

Invest in User Experience, Invest in Growth

For WA businesses, Core Web Vitals aren’t just technical metrics – they’re proof of your commitment to user experience. In 2025, LCP, INP and CLS are non-negotiable for SEO success and business growth. By optimising these vitals consistently, you’ll improve rankings, organic traffic and conversions. Contact us today to get Core Web Vitals optimisation sorted and grow your online presence.