Google's New Core Web Vitals and "Page Experience"
April 13, 2021
Google has announced that their new ranking signals, announced last year, will go into affect in May 2021. What are those new ranking factors and will your website be optimized for them?
Core Web Vitals are a set of specific factors that Google considers important in a webpage’s overall user experience. Core Web Vitals are made up of three specific page speed and user interaction measurements: largest contentful paint, first input delay, and cumulative layout shift.
In short, Core Web Vitals are a subset group of factors that will be an essential part of how Google sizes up your website's overall user experience.
The Google Page Experience will also take into account the preexisting factors:
mobile-friendliness, safe-browsing, HTTPS-security, intrusive interstitial guidelines.
Let's break down the Core Web Vital metrics.
- Largest Contentful Paint: The time it takes for a page’s main content to load. An ideal LCP measurement is 2.5 seconds or faster.
- First Input Delay: The time it takes for a page to become interactive. An ideal measurement is less than 100 ms.
- Cumulative Layout Shift: The amount of unexpected layout shift of visual page content. An ideal measurement is less than 0.1.
This set of metrics was designed to help site designers measure the user experience they’re providing when it comes to loading, interactivity, and visual stability.
As Google puts it:
“Core Web Vitals are a set of real-world, user-centered metrics that quantify key aspects of the user experience. They measure dimensions of web usability such as load time, interactivity, and the stability of content as it loads (so you don’t accidentally tap that button when it shifts under your finger – how annoying!)”
How does this affect my website ranking?
By adding Core Web Vitals as ranking factors, and combining them with other preexisting user experience and design best practices, Google aims to help more site owners build pages that users enjoy visiting.
If Google determines that a page is providing a high quality user experience, based on it's overall Page Experience rating, then it will likely rank the page higher in search results. However, content relevance is still considerably important when it comes to rankings. A page with content that’s highly relevant to a query could conceivably rank well even if it had a poor page experience signal.
As Google puts it:
“A good page experience doesn’t override having great, relevant content. However, in cases where there are multiple pages that have similar content, page experience becomes much more important for visibility in Search.”
So what do I do to make sure my website is optimized for these new Core Web Vitals?
You don't have to do anything! We've got your website covered.
- We are proud to use the Duda web design platform for all the websites we build. They are constantly innovating and on-top of the latest ranking factors, code optimizations, and providing fantastic features. Their CTO just released an editorial about staying ahead of the curve and one line in particular stood out to us. "If web designers want to build a website that optimizes for Core Web Vitals, they need to first make sure the platform they use is optimized for these metrics."
- Our team of web designers at GoBeRewarded are always working hard to stay on top of design best practices and working with our clients and Media Team to create content that stands out and appeals to visitors.
This combination of a solid, innovative web platform and our driven Web Design Team insures that your website will stay relevant and competitive for years to come.
Originally posted at Duda.co
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Boost local visibility fast. Learn how San Diego entrepreneurs can optimize their Google Business Profile to attract more customers and grow sales.
For San Diego’s small and mid-sized businesses, digital advertising offers incredible opportunities to reach new customers and grow revenue. However, not all platforms are created equal, and when budgets are tight, selecting the right channel is crucial for maximizing return on investment (ROI). Whether you're a local contractor, restaurant owner, or service provider, your digital ad strategy should focus on what drives the most visibility, leads, and conversions in your area. In this blog, we’ll explore popular digital advertising options and explain why Google Ads often delivers the strongest results for San Diego businesses. 1. Google Ads: The Top Performer for ROI Google Ads (formerly AdWords) allows your business to appear at the top of search engine results for keywords your customers are actively searching. For example, a San Diego resident searching “emergency plumber near me” or “best tacos in North Park” is showing high intent; they’re ready to take action. 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These platforms allow for demographic, interest, and behavioral targeting, which makes them powerful tools for visually engaging products and lifestyle-focused brands. Why It Works: Highly Visual: Great for showcasing products, services, or events. Audience Targeting: Narrow down your audience by age, interests, or local San Diego communities. Retargeting Capabilities: Re-engage visitors who have already interacted with your business online. Best For: Local boutiques, wellness providers, event-based businesses, and restaurants trying to build buzz and increase repeat traffic. Limitations: These platforms are less effective for driving high-intent leads. Most users are not actively looking for services when scrolling; they’re browsing socially. 3. Yelp Ads: Niche but Effective for Some Industries Yelp Ads are especially effective for service-based businesses where customer reviews matter, such as salons, dentists, and home service providers. Why It Works: Built-In Reviews: Yelp showcases your business along with customer testimonials. Local Search Visibility: Your ad can appear at the top of relevant search results on Yelp. Best For: Restaurants, salons, auto repair shops, and other businesses that benefit from comparison shopping and customer feedback. Limitations: Yelp ads can be costly, depending on your category and level of competition. Additionally, some users have grown wary of Yelp’s pay-to-play nature and ad placements. 4. Don’t Overlook Google Business Profile Optimization If you're not ready for paid advertising or want to supplement your ad spend, optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the best ways to increase local visibility at no cost. Why It Works: Appears in Google Maps and Local Search Results Enables Customers to Call, Visit, or Review Your Business Supports Photos, Offers, and Posts to Promote Engagement Best For: Every San Diego business. It’s essential to optimize your profile regardless of your ad strategy. Tips for Optimization: Keep your business information accurate and complete. Add high-quality photos. Collect and respond to customer reviews. Use local keywords in your business description. When used in conjunction with Google Ads, an optimized profile enhances your credibility and conversion rate. Which Channel Is Best for San Diego Businesses? While Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp all have their place, Google Ads offers the best combination of local targeting, high-intent visibility, and measurable return on investment (ROI) . Especially for service-based businesses or those in competitive local niches, showing up at the top of search results can be the difference between a lead and a lost opportunity. Pairing Google Ads with a robust Google Business Profile establishes a digital foundation that operates 24/7, driving traffic, generating calls, and fostering credibility. Final Thoughts If you’re trying to grow your San Diego business, focus your digital ad budget where it matters most. Start with Google Ads for high-intent leads, complement with social media or Yelp if relevant to your industry, and never underestimate the power of a fully optimized Google Business Profile. Smart targeting, consistent monitoring, and a strategy built on intent are the keys to maximizing your digital advertising return on investment (ROI). Need help building or refining your digital ad strategy? Reach out today to see how we can help your San Diego business grow online.
