How core web vitals affect SEO

Matthew Edgar, Partner and Technical SEO Consultant at Elementive, delves into technical SEO and user experience. Despite the misconceptions surrounding core web vitals, they are not the biggest ranking factor. However, in an age where search engines are prioritizing user experience, we must ensure that our websites provide a positive experience for visitors when they click in from a search result. Today, Matthew discusses how core web vitals affect SEO.
About the speaker

Matthew Edgar

Elementive

- Elementive

Matthew is Partner and Technical SEO Consultant at Elementive

Show Notes

  • 01:21
    Matthews SEO background and an Elementive overview
    Matthew started in programming and then shifted to specialize in technical SEO. Elementive is a technical SEO consulting firm that helps clients understand how search engines crawl and index websites in addition to identifying and fixing technical issues that hinder site performance.
  • 02:31
    Misconceptions about core web vitals as the primary ranking factor
    While core web vitals are important, they are not the most significant ranking factor but can be optimized to increase conversions and site engagement. Optimizing for speed can enhance user experience and site performance, but it typically doesnt impact search rankings.
  • 04:40
    The importance of core web vitals for user experience and SEO
    Google prioritizes core web vitals due to their direct impact on user experience. By prioritizing speed and other aspects of page experience, Google aims to enhance overall website quality and ensure a positive user journey from search results to site interaction.
  • 06:42
    The connection between user experience and SEO
    SEO is integral to user experience, starting from the moment a user searches for information. Google prioritizes factors that create a better experience on both their site and the website visited after a search result, such as core vitals, and helpful content.
  • 08:50
    The importance of user testing
    User testing is crucial for understanding both user experience and SEO. It helps identify user intent behind search queries and allows you to optimize both your website and Google search results for a seamless user journey.
  • 10:38
    How to approach core web vitals as SEOs
    First, SEOs should understand real-world user experience through page speed insights and user experience reports to identify issues. Then, its about delving into metrics influencing core web vitals to diagnose and fix the root causes of performance issues.
  • 14:16
    Identifying core web vitals issues
    While Google's tools offer a high-level overview, WebPageTest provides a more granular view of website performance and experience issues. It helps pinpoint the exact moment when issues occur, providing tangible examples to diagnose the root cause with your developer.
  • 16:31
    Tools and actionable insights in fixing core web vitals issues
    To diagnose and fix website performance and experience issues, using the right tools for analysis and actionable insights is crucial. While page speed insights provide a list of recommendations, Tools like WebPageTest provide actionable insights to solve identified issues.
  • 17:39
    Starting the learning journey for core web vitals
    Begin the core web vitals journey by understanding the website loading process. Resources like Mozilla Developer Network offer in-depth explanations for all skill levels, allowing newcomers to grasp fundamental concepts before diving into specific metrics.

Quotes

  • "Think about core vitals and speed more broadly when it comes to SEO. It's not going to be the thing that makes the biggest difference, but it can help a good website do just a little bit better." - Matthew Edgar

  • "SEO is part of the user experience because the user experience starts when somebody's looking for information that you have on your site. And that's going to start on Google." - Matthew Edgar

  • "Across the board, Google wants to create a good experience both on their site with search results, but then also on the website that people are clicking to, because they're part of the same experience." - Matthew Edgar

  • "For core web vitals, start by understanding the website loading process. The more you can understand that loading process, the better context you have to understand what the metrics mean." - Matthew Edgar

  • "You won't be able to come up with core web vitals solutions if you're not using the right tools. You have to use tools that will give you more actionable insights." - Matthew Edgar

About the speaker

Matthew Edgar

Elementive

- Elementive

Matthew is Partner and Technical SEO Consultant at Elementive

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