FCP (First Contentful Paint)
The time from page load to when the first piece of DOM content (text/image/svg) is rendered. It’s an early signal that “something is happening.”
Good target: ≤ 1.8s on mobile.
Free tool
PageSpeed Insights Checker
Run Google PageSpeed on any URL, see Core Web Vitals, and spot quick wins. Built by LoadTime Labs.
Improve Core Web Vitals (LCP, FCP, CLS, INP)Increase rankings in Google Search ConsoleDeliver a fast mobile experienceBoost conversions with faster loads
Why performance matters for SEO
Speed reduces bounce, increases engagement, and improves conversion. Google rewards better page experience, so improving LCP, CLS, and responsiveness can directly support higher rankings and revenue.
- • Better crawl efficiency and index coverage
- • Higher Core Web Vitals pass rate in Search Console
- • Lower abandonment and stronger UX signals
Common quick wins
- Serve responsive images (WebP/AVIF)
- Lazy-load offscreen media & embeds
- Purge unused CSS and inline critical CSS
- Split heavy JS; defer non-critical code
- Trim third-party scripts
- CDN + long-lived caching headers
How to use
- Enter your full URL (e.g., https://example.com).
- Run Desktop and Mobile checks.
- Share results with your team—or book a free consultation call with one of our experts to walk you through exactly how to improve your scores.
Core Web Vitals & Performance Metrics: Definitions & Benchmarks
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint)
When the largest above-the-fold element (hero image, big heading, etc.) becomes visible. It represents perceived loading speed.
Good target: ≤ 3s on mobile.
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift)
Measures unexpected layout shifts during load. Low CLS means elements don’t jump around while users read or tap.
Good target: ≤ 0.10.
INP (Interaction to Next Paint)
Captures overall responsiveness to user interactions (clicks, taps, key presses). INP replaced FID as the responsiveness vital.
Good target: ≤ 200ms.
TTFB (Time To First Byte)
The time for the browser to receive the first byte from your server or CDN. High TTFB often points to slow server processing, cold starts, or poor caching.
Good target: ≤ 0.8s (mobile). Aim for lower on well-cached pages.
FAQs
What is a good PageSpeed Insights score?
90–100 is Good (green), 50–89 needs improvement (orange), and 0–49 is Poor (red). Aim for green on both Mobile and Desktop.
Which Core Web Vitals matter most?
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), and Interaction to Next Paint (INP). These are key UX signals that affect both users and SEO.
Does website speed impact SEO?
Yes. Page experience and Core Web Vitals are ranking signals. Faster sites typically see better crawl efficiency, rankings, and conversions.
Why do Mobile and Desktop scores differ?
Mobile emulates slower devices and networks. Heavy JavaScript, large images, and render-blocking resources affect Mobile more.
How do I improve scores quickly?
Compress/resize images (WebP/AVIF), lazy-load offscreen media, remove unused CSS/JS, reduce third-party scripts, enable CDN + caching, and split heavy bundles.
What is a page performance checker tool?
It’s a tool that analyzes your website's speed, Core Web Vitals, and technical performance to help you identify and fix issues slowing down your site.
How accurate are the scores?
Scores are based on Google's Lighthouse and real-user data when available. Lab data may not fully reflect live user conditions but is great for spotting bottlenecks.
Will fixing performance issues improve my rankings?
It can. While speed is just one ranking factor, improved performance enhances user experience, which positively affects engagement, bounce rates, and SEO.
Is it better to optimize for Mobile or Desktop first?
Always prioritize Mobile. Google uses mobile-first indexing, and most users now browse on smartphones. A strong mobile experience benefits all users.
Why is my score different every time I test?
Scores vary due to network conditions, device emulation, server response times, and background processes. It’s best to test multiple times or use field data for consistency.
Does your tool support Core Web Vitals monitoring?
Yes, it checks LCP, CLS, and INP based on real-time Lighthouse metrics and helps you track and improve them over time.
Do I need technical skills to fix performance issues?
Not always. Many improvements—like image compression, lazy-loading, or reducing plugins—can be done with plugins or tools. For advanced fixes, developer help may be needed.
Can performance affect conversions?
Absolutely. A faster site keeps users engaged, reduces bounce rates, and increases conversion rates—especially on e-commerce or landing pages.
What is the difference between lab and field data?
Lab data is simulated in a controlled environment (via Lighthouse), while field data reflects real user experiences. Both are valuable for performance analysis.
How often should I check my site performance?
At least monthly or after major updates. Continuous monitoring is ideal, especially for high-traffic or revenue-generating websites.
Need hands-on help?
We optimize Core Web Vitals for Next.js, WordPress, and Shopify.