Core Web Vitals are a set of user experience (UX) metrics introduced by Google to measure how well a website performs in terms of loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
These metrics are essential for search engine optimisation (SEO) rankings and user satisfaction, directly impacting website engagement and conversions.
In the simplest terms, the core web vitals are important factors when Google ranks a website on their search results.
The better your website’s core web vitals score, the higher the chances your SEO efforts will bear results.
Note: This blog post was updated from an article first published on 16 Apr 2021.
HOW GOOGLE CORE WEB VITALS HAVE CHANGED IN 2025
As of March 2025, Google’s Core Web Vitals (CWV) have undergone significant updates to enhance user experience on the web. These updates focus on stricter performance benchmarks, a mobile-centric approach, and the integration of AI-driven metrics.
Stricter Benchmarks for LCP and FID
Google has tightened the thresholds for key metrics:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): The loading performance of the most significant visible content on a page now aims well below the previous standard of 2.5 seconds.
SEOLOGIST.COM - First Input Delay (FID): Measures how responsive your site is when a user first interacts, now requiring a faster response time than the previous benchmark of 100 milliseconds.
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): The loading performance of the most significant visible content on a page now aims well below the previous standard of 2.5 seconds.
Mobile-Centric Focus
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, Google has increased the emphasis on mobile performance. CWV scores for mobile devices now carry more weight in overall rankings, ensuring that sites optimized for desktop but lagging on mobile won’t slip through the cracks.
AI-Driven Metrics for User Satisfaction
Google’s algorithms have evolved to include AI-based user satisfaction scores, analyzing how well your site anticipates and meets user needs during their journey. This shift toward AI-driven metrics signals a deeper focus on real-world usability rather than static benchmarks.
The Business Impact of Core Web Vitals
Optimizing CWV has clear business benefits. For instance, a global e-commerce brand improved its Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) score from 0.25 to 0.05, leading to a 15% increase in conversions within three months.
In addition, Google’s places significant importance on user experience.
If a site has weak core web vitals, it will have poor user experience (slow loading and interactivity). This will cause Google to push the site down the rankings. That means a site can drop from page 1 to page 2 or further.
Lower Google rankings means less people will find your site on Google. Lower traffic means fewer leads which results in a plunge in sales.
How to Check Your Site's Core Web Vitals
The easiest way to check if your site’s core vitals are strong is to use the official Google Pagespeed Insights tool found here.
- Simply enter your website URL into the box and perform the check.
- Google will analyze your site based on their search algorithm criteria.
- Wait for Google’s Pagespeed Insights score.
Be sure to check your score for both Mobile and Desktop.
A Great Score
If your site scores above 75/ 100 for both mobile and desktop, great job! Your site will be protected against the Google core vitals update.
An Okay Score
If your site scores between 50/ 100 to 74/100, you should consider optimizing your site. Your site and business may be affected by the Google core vitals update especially if your competitors’ websites are optimized for better performance.
A Poor Score (FAIL)
If your site scores below 50/ 100, you should address all the issues that are affecting your core vitals.
Do not wait.
The longer you wait, the greater your business will be seriously affected when the Google core vitals update takes effect in May 2021.
Prevention is much better (and cheaper) than repair.
The Importance of Core Web Vitals
Due to the importance placed on Core Web Vitals by Google, it’s imperative for businesses to prioritise website performance to maintain and enhance their search rankings.
As highlighted, a one-second delay can lead to a 7% drop in conversions, underscoring the direct impact of site speed on business outcomes.
By proactively optimising your site’s loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability, you not only align with Google’s emphasis on user experience but also safeguard your business from potential declines in traffic and revenue.
Regularly assessing your site’s Core Web Vitals and implementing necessary improvements will ensure sustained online success in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
