Google’s Core Web Vitals are a set of measures that assess a web page’s visual stability, interaction, and speed of loading. As a result of Google’s announcement that they will be considered when determining search results rankings, they are becoming more and more crucial for companies in London, UK.
There are three Core Web Vitals:
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- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This gauges how long it takes for the biggest content component to appear on a page.
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- The LCP measures webpage load performance, specifically how quickly the largest image or text block renders. A good LCP score is within the first 2.5 seconds.
- The LCP is crucial for user experience and SEO, as it impacts perceived load speed and reassures users of the page’s usefulness. This is particularly important in a vibrant, fast-paced city like London, where users expect quick and efficient web experiences.
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How does the City of London website perform?
Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/
The LCP is pretty bad amounting to 6.5s instead of the recommended value of less than 2.5s. City of London (CoL) clocks at 6.5s (160% higher than recommended).
The problem is generated from the un-optimized background image on the header, which is a site wide issue.
Go ahead and check the City of London speed rating here
2. Interaction to Next Paint (INP): measures the responsiveness of a web page by tracking the time between user interactions (like clicks or key presses) and the next visual update, helping assess user experience during interactions. By improving the INP ensures that websites are highly responsive, enhancing user engagement, especially vital for London’s tech-savvy population.
The INP is 130ms, very good, as it should clock below 200ms.
3. Total Blocking Time (TBT): Too high 6.340 ms (3.070% higher than recommended)
- TBT measures the amount of time during which the main thread is blocked and unable to respond to user input. It captures the time between the First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI) where tasks exceed 50ms.
- A high TBT (City of London clocks a very high TBT of 6.340ms, meaning 3.070% higher than recommended) indicates that the main thread is often busy, delaying responsiveness and negatively affecting the user experience.
What that means for User Experience:
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- Interaction Delays: Users experience delays when clicking buttons, filling out forms, or performing other interactive actions.
- Increased Bounce Rates: Slow and unresponsive websites lead to frustration, causing users to leave the site quickly, increasing bounce rates.
- Reduced User Engagement: Users are less likely to engage with a website that feels slow, leading to lower conversion rates and reduced time spent on site.
What that means for SEO:
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- Lower Rankings: Google’s algorithm considers user experience metrics, including TBT. High TBT can negatively impact search engine rankings, reducing organic traffic.
- Page Experience Signals: As part of the Core Web Vitals, TBT affects page experience signals. Poor performance can lead to decreased visibility in search results.
HOw to Improve TBT:
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- Optimize JavaScript: Minimize and defer non-critical JavaScript to reduce blocking time.
- Reduce Long Tasks: Break up long tasks into smaller, asynchronous tasks to prevent blocking the main thread.
- Efficient Resource Loading: Use techniques like code splitting, lazy loading, and optimizing third-party scripts to ensure resources are loaded efficiently.
- Use Web Workers: Offload heavy computations to web workers to keep the main thread free.
4. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
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- is a metric that quantifies how much visual material moves around on a website as it loads.
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Happy to see the website gauges 0.019 CLS despite the content within the <body> tag is shifting and that causes the 0.019 CLS value.
You can follow these techniques to improve your website’s London Page Speed:
1, Improve your image quality because they are a major cause of slow page loading. Utilize a responsive picture format and reduce the file size of your photographs to optimize them.
2. Minify your CSS and JavaScript: The time it takes for your websites to load can be slashed by minifying the JavaScript and CSS code.
3. Consider using a content delivery network (CDN): By delivering your pages from servers closer to your users, a CDN can aid in accelerating page load times.
4. Utilize a caching plugin: A caching plugin can assist in the storage of static content on your server, enhancing the speed at which your pages load.
5. Test the effectiveness of your website: You may check the functionality of your website using a number of tools, like Google PageSpeed Insights and WebPageTest.
Here are some extra pointers for enhancing your website’s Page Speed in London, in addition to the ones mentioned above:
1. For your website, use a minimal theme or template.
2. Limit the number of plugins you use.
3. Place your website on a reliable, and quick server.
4. Update the code on your webpage.
5. Test the functionality of your website frequently.
If you need some help to improve your website’s Page Speed, I could do a performance audit, recommend specific changes, and implement those changes for you.
Enhancing your website’s Core Web Vitals is a crucial first step in raising its overall performance and search engine position.
About London
The capital of the United Kingdom, London, is a shining example of modernity, culture, and history. Tucked away on the banks of the River Thames, this energetic city is a patchwork of innovation and tradition, with historic sites peacefully coexisting with modern wonders. Both residents and tourists will find London to be an unmatched experience, with its famous sites and varied neighborhoods.
With a history spanning more than two millennia, London is a city rich in diversity. With sites like the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Legacy site rich in legends of kings, espionage, and incarceration, the city proudly displays its legacy. The magnificent Tower Bridge, which has been spanning the Thames since the late 19th century and represents the city’s industrial might, is located nearby.
The diversity of London’s cultures is one of its most remarkable qualities. This city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, from the colorful markets of Camden to the busy streets of Chinatown. Treasures from all around the world are kept in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum, while West End theaters present world-class productions that enthrall audiences night after night.
London’s many green areas provide a haven from the bustle of the city. With its vast lawns and placid lakes, Hyde Park offers a peaceful haven right in the middle of the city. Regent’s Park is home to the renowned London Zoo and immaculately maintained gardens, while Hampstead Heath’s elevated vantage points provide expansive vistas of the cityscape.
The skyline of London bears witness to its continuous development. The Gherkin and the Walkie-Talkie give the metropolis a futuristic feel, and the Shard, with its observation deck offering panoramic vistas, pierces the clouds. A leisurely spin above the Thames on the London Eye, meanwhile, gives unmatched views of the city below.
With restaurants to suit every taste and want, London’s restaurant scene is as varied as its people. Everywhere one looks in the city is a culinary adventure, from quirky street food vendors to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants. London caters to all tastes, whether you’re seeking classic fish & chips or unique fusion food.
London is a timeless gem in the fabric of world cities, combining modernism, culture, and history to create a unique experience. The city stands as a tribute to the persistent spirit of innovation and diversity, with its modern buildings standing alongside its historic sites. Every area of London offers a narrative, beckoning tourists to become a part of its rich tapestry, whether they are strolling through Covent Garden’s cobblestone streets or taking in the cityscape from the South Bank.