Web Performance Testing – What, Why, How of Core Web Vitals

A website needs to be constantly tested and optimized so that it is in line with Google’s web and SEO guidelines and also has an advantage over others in terms of visibility, brand image and driving traffic. In order to tactically assess the website’s performance, it needs to be measured in a well-thought-out manner.

Core Web Vitals is a key performance metric that analyzes the website’s performance by investigating the data and also provides a strategic platform to scale up the website’s user experience.

In this article, you will get to know about web performance testing and how Core Web Vitals plays a crucial and strategic part in it.

What is Web performance testing?

Web performance testing is executed so that accurate information is provided on the application’s readiness by monitoring the server-side application and testing the website.

This is done by simulating a load that is in line with real conditions so that the expected load can be supported by the application that has been evaluated.

This will help in identifying possible bottlenecks and then providing solutions to fix the problems (modification of hardware or software upgrade, tuning of system parameters).

What are the Core Web Vitals (CWV)?

Core Web Vitals (CWV) are performance metrics through which data related to real user experience is used to measure the responsiveness, speed and visual stability of the website.

CWV consists of three key metrics, which are as follows:

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): In this metric, the time taken to load the largest portion of the web page’s main content is measured.

2. First Input Delay (FID): The time taken by the browser to start processing the user’s first interaction with a website, such as tapping on a button or clicking on a link is measured

3. Cummulative Layout Shift (CLS): Unexpected layout shifts that occur during the web page’s entire lifespan are measured.

Why do Core Web Vitals matter?

CWV is a robust set of metrics through which the most crucial aspects of user experience (visual stability, interactivity, loading) are portrayed. The quality of user experience needs to be quantified strategically.

CWV has a specific set of tools to do so. This is important as the sites and applications evolve into more interactive experiences.

Following are the two key reasons that justify the significance of Core Web Vitals:

1. Google search ranking is influenced by Core Web Vitals: CWV is a page experience ranking signal in Google Search. While well-written and relevant content is still essential in search, the sites will be evaluated by Google based on Core Web Vitals and might favor them if it meets the recommended thresholds.

2. The key business metrics are impacted: There’s no denying the fact that improved speed is in line with growth in key business metrics. Core web vitals are optimized to reduce engagement, increase conversions and reduce bounce rates.

If the objective is to expand the business, the entire team can be rallied to invest in speed.

How to measure Core Web Vitals?

There are specific tools available that can be used to measure Core Web Vitals. Google develops and provides some of these tools and others are open-source tools.

There are also proprietary Web performance tools available that can be used for testing other functions. These include Search Console’s Core Web Vitals report, PageSpeed Insights and Chrome User Experience Report.

All the three Core Web Vitals markers are tested by the tools mentioned above. This will in turn not leave a gap in one or more Web Performance areas. Standard Web APIs in JavaScript can also be used to measure Core Web Vitals. It can be integrated into a Test automation framework.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing Web performance testing for your specific web project, then do get connected with a premium software testing services company that will provide you with a well-defined testing strategy along with professional support that is in line with your project specific requirements.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.