Core Web Vitals
Google's metrics measuring user experience through loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability
Core Web Vitals are a set of Google metrics that measure real-world user experience on web pages. The three metrics are Largest Contentful Paint (loading speed), Interaction to Next Paint (responsiveness), and Cumulative Layout Shift (visual stability). Since 2021, Core Web Vitals have been a confirmed Google ranking factor as part of the page experience signals. While link building focuses on off-page authority, technical site performance matters for converting that authority into rankings. A well-linked page with poor Core Web Vitals may underperform against a competing page with fewer links but superior user experience. Optimizing both backlinks and technical performance creates the strongest ranking foundation.