Google Provides a Tutorial to Help Identify INP Issues

Google has recently published a helpful tutorial to assist website owners and webmasters in identifying and resolving Issues with Cumulative Layout Shift, also known as CLS, and potentially help sites earn a 'Good' status in the Page Experience report.

In a bid to encourage website owners to improve user experience, Google has been actively advocating for the importance of a good Core Web Vitals score. Recognizing the significance of Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), Google has provided a step-by-step tutorial to help webmasters understand and address issues related to this crucial component of web performance.

The Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) is a vital metric that measures the visual stability of a web page and is one of the key metrics that contribute to the overall Core Web Vitals score. A low CLS score reflects a better user experience, as it indicates minimal unexpected layout shifts on the webpage during the loading process.

Understanding the Importance of Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

The Cumulative Layout Shift is a metric that quantifies the amount of unexpected layout shift that occurs during the page loading experience. This is particularly important for users as unexpected layout shifts can be disruptive and frustrating, leading to a poor user experience.

Imagine trying to click on a button, only to have the entire layout shift just as you go to click it. It can be a frustrating experience for users, and Google recognizes the importance of minimizing these unexpected layout shifts.

By addressing issues related to Cumulative Layout Shift, website owners and webmasters can enhance the overall user experience of their website, improve their Core Web Vitals scores, and potentially boost their search engine rankings.

Google's Tutorial on Identifying and Resolving CLS Issues

In its tutorial, Google provides comprehensive guidance on how to identify and rectify issues related to Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). The tutorial is designed to be accessible to both developers and non-developers, making it easier for website owners to understand and implement the necessary changes.

The tutorial breaks down the process into several key steps, including:

Understanding Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Google explains the concept of Cumulative Layout Shift, why it is important, and how it impacts user experience.
Measuring and Diagnosing CLS: The tutorial provides insights into how to measure and diagnose CLS issues using tools such as Google's PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and the Chrome User Experience Report.
Identifying the Causes of CLS: Google outlines the common causes of CLS issues, such as images without dimensions, ads, embeds, and dynamically injected content, and provides guidance on how to identify and address these issues.
Resolving CLS Issues: The tutorial offers actionable advice on how to rectify CLS issues, including optimizing images, ensuring proper dimensions for ads and embeds, and using certain attributes to stabilize content during page loading.
Testing and Monitoring: Google emphasizes the importance of testing and monitoring changes to ensure that CLS issues are effectively addressed and user experience is improved.

Addressing INP Issues for a Better User Experience

Improving Cumulative Layout Shift is just one aspect of enhancing the overall user experience of a website. Google's emphasis on Core Web Vitals and user experience signals a shift towards a more user-centric approach to web performance and search engine optimization.

By addressing issues related to Cumulative Layout Shift and other Core Web Vitals metrics, website owners can create a better user experience, which can lead to improved website performance and search engine rankings.

Key Takeaways

Google's tutorial on identifying and resolving CLS issues is a valuable resource for website owners and webmasters who are looking to improve the user experience of their websites. By addressing Cumulative Layout Shift issues, website owners can improve their Core Web Vitals scores and potentially boost their search engine rankings.

The tutorial provides actionable guidance on how to measure, diagnose, and resolve CLS issues, making it accessible to both developers and non-developers. Implementing the recommendations outlined in the tutorial can lead to a more visually stable and user-friendly website, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.

In conclusion, Google's tutorial on identifying and resolving CLS issues provides a clear roadmap for website owners and webmasters to enhance the user experience of their websites. By prioritizing user experience and addressing issues related to Cumulative Layout Shift, website owners can improve their Core Web Vitals scores and potentially achieve better search engine rankings, ultimately leading to a more successful online presence.