Core Web Vitals explained without the jargon
LCP, CLS and INP look like secret code, but they measure simple things. We explain what they are and why they affect your Google ranking.
Core Web Vitals are three measurements Google uses to tell whether your site is pleasant to use. They have scary three-letter names, but behind them are simple questions about the visitor’s experience.
The three measurements
LCP, or time until the main content appears. It measures how long the visitor waits to see the important part of the page, like the image or the big headline. If it drags, people leave before reading.
CLS, or stability of what’s on screen. It measures whether things jump around while the page loads. Ever gone to tap a button and had it move away? That’s what CLS penalises.
INP, or response speed. It measures how long the site takes to react when you tap or type. A site that responds right away feels solid, one that hesitates feels broken.
Why they affect Google
Google wants to send people to sites that work well. Between two similar sites, it tends to place the faster, more stable one ahead. It isn’t the only factor, but it’s one of the few it measures directly from the real experience.
What to do
You don’t need to understand the numbers, you need to know where your site falls short.
Test your site for free and we’ll tell you in plain language what’s holding you back.
