/ SEO
What are Core Web Vitals?
Google's page-experience metrics: loading (LCP), responsiveness (INP) and visual stability (CLS). A tiebreaker, not a magic ranking lever.
/ 01
The short version
They matter more for conversions than rankings, but they're free to improve.
/ 02
What actually matters
- • LCP under 2.5s — usually your hero image.
- • INP under 200ms — usually heavy JavaScript.
- • CLS under 0.1 — set width and height on images and ads.
- • Measure on mobile field data, not lab data alone.
- • Fix images and third-party scripts first.
/ 03
The bit most people get wrong
Chasing a perfect 100 score is a waste of money. Getting into the green band is what counts.
/ 04
What to do next
Check your Core Web Vitals report in Search Console and fix whichever metric is red.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get Core Web Vitals right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
Do they affect rankings?
Slightly, as a tiebreaker.
What's the biggest quick win?
Compressing and correctly sizing images.
Still not sure?
Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.
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