Impact of Web Core Vitals on SEO

Google uses data from the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX) to assess a website's Core Web Vitals (CWV) when ranking it in search results. However, Google does not use Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights scores for this purpose. CWV is just one of several factors that influence search rankings, and high-quality content is still essential. To receive a ranking boost, a website must pass all relevant CWV metrics and meet the requirements of the Page Experience report.

Google strongly recommends focusing on site speed to improve search performance. However, failing to meet CWV and Page Experience requirements does not necessarily mean that a website's ranking will decrease. Google uses actual Chrome-based traffic data to rank websites, regardless of the user's browser preference. However, search results may differ between desktop and mobile devices, as rankings are based on the performance of each device type. CWV thresholds are consistent for both device types. Single-Page Applications (SPAs) may find it challenging to positively impact CWV rankings. Google primarily considers the user's landing page for data, and subsequent route changes in SPAs may not contribute significantly to ranking improvements. Therefore, it is essential to optimize every SPA page for a first-time visit.

Website owners can find their site's data in Google Search Console, where CrUX data is transformed into actionable insights for better search performance. While the exact impact of CWV on search rankings is not fully understood, investing in faster page load times remains a prudent strategy for website owners due to the potential benefits.