Starting in late June, Google algorithm updates have started targeting the user experience. Whether it is load times, user interaction, or layout, all parts of your website will be affected by the change in focus.
Core Vitals & What They Represent
Core Vitals are what Google is calling these user-experience interaction metrics. These core vitals are separated into three different categories: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) is the measurement of how long it takes visual elements of your website to load. This includes images, backgrounds, videos, and more in the initial loading of your website. 
LCP: Under 2.5 seconds is considered passing.
First Input Delay (FID) is how long it takes for a user to be able to interact with your site or how long it takes for the website to become interactive.
FID: Under 100 milliseconds is passing.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) is a stability measurement. If you have ever scrolled on a website and seen the whole page shift up or down as if it is lagging, you have experienced unstable CLS. In previous CLS updates, there were some issues with their algorithm’s method of measurement which would cause improvements to see negative results when measured. This update is supposed to fix this issue to make CLS measurements function properly.
CLS: Under 0.1 is considered passing.
How SEO Will Be Impacted
The Core Vital metrics are a good addition to the already present SEO algorithm. They won’t impact search results a ton if you already have a fairly efficiently running website, but they can help boost retention rates and conversion rates from users when handled properly. Users typically only spend a few seconds on your website before they make a decision on whether to stay or leave. If your website is taking a long time to load in the content they want to see, users are likely to click off and go to another website with better load times.
How To Monitor Your Core Vitals
The good news is that Google is making monitoring and measuring these analytics very easy through the use of the Google Page Speed Insight Tool. When users visit a website, the lab data or feedback data from cookies is taken and compiled into a log that contains all the measurements for your Core Vitals. All you need to do is copy & paste or type the URL of the website you want to see the Core Vitals on and it will show you an easily readable number. You do not need a Google account or to put in any authentication, as it is all public knowledge.
If you are concerned about your ranking or want to ensure your website is performing the best that it can, SteerPoint SEO, marketing, and analytics services can help you achieve the most out of your website. We are always up-to-date about the relevant Google algorithm updates when they come around and know how to implement them to benefit your company. Contact us if you want your online business ranking at its best.