Core Web Vitals measure real-world performance signals that reflect how users experience the speed and responsiveness of a website. The three primary metrics are:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures loading performance. Ideally under 2.5 seconds.
- First Input Delay (FID): Measures interactivity. Should be less than 100 milliseconds.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measures visual stability. Should be under 0.1 to avoid annoying layout shifts.
These metrics are especially important in mobile optimization since mobile users often access landscaping websites on slower connections or older devices. Poor scores can negatively impact your SEO, affecting how high your site appears in search engine results.
Google uses Core Web Vitals as part of its ranking algorithm, meaning better scores can directly improve your visibility in search. More importantly, fast, stable, and responsive sites reduce bounce rates and increase conversions—key for landscaping businesses looking to turn visitors into leads.
They are a foundational part of Technical SEO, working in conjunction with things like structured site architecture and server optimization. When combined with other efforts like speed optimization and responsive design, they significantly boost a site’s usability and performance.
Example
A well-optimized landscaping website built with Core Web Vitals in mind would:
- Load hero images and services info (LCP) in under 2.5s.
- Respond instantly when a user clicks “Request a Quote” (FID).
- Maintain layout integrity as testimonials or service cards load in (CLS).
Improving these can lower bounce rate and boost the chances that a local homeowner requests a quote after landing on your site.