Core Web Vitals 2025 Guide: LCP, INP, CLS Targets and Fixes
Core Web Vitals remains one of the highest-searched SEO topics in 2025. If you want better rankings and conversions, optimize for LCP, INP, and CLS with real user data.
1) The targets that matter in 2025
- LCP under 2.5 seconds for 75th percentile
- INP under 200 ms for 75th percentile
- CLS under 0.1 for 75th percentile
Use field data in Search Console and CrUX to validate real-world results.
2) Fix LCP with the fastest wins
Optimize your hero image, preconnect to critical origins, and inline critical CSS. Reduce server response time with caching and a CDN.
3) INP is the new performance battleground
Break up long tasks, debounce heavy handlers, and avoid main-thread blocking scripts. Use code splitting and lazy load non-critical widgets.
4) Prevent layout shifts for CLS
Always set width and height for images and embeds. Reserve space for banners and avoid inserting content above the fold after load.
5) Use performance budgets
Set limits for JS size, request counts, and third-party tags. Budgets prevent regressions during marketing campaigns or new launches.
6) Measure the right way
Run Lighthouse for lab signals, but prioritize WebPageTest and real user monitoring for field data. Track improvements by device class and geography.
7) CMS and ecommerce specifics
Compress images at upload, avoid heavy page builders, and defer non-essential scripts. For ecommerce, reduce filter and tracking scripts on product pages.
8) Quick roadmap to reach green
- Week 1: audit LCP and compress hero assets
- Week 2: reduce JS and fix long tasks for INP
- Week 3: lock CLS with reserved space and stable layouts
Core Web Vitals checklist
- LCP, INP, CLS targets documented
- Image and font loading optimized
- Script budget enforced
- Field data monitored monthly
Core Web Vitals remains one of the highest-searched SEO topics in 2025. If you want better rankings and conversions, optimize for LCP, INP, and CLS with real user data.
1) The targets that matter in 2025
- LCP under 2.5 seconds for 75th percentile
- INP under 200 ms for 75th percentile
- CLS under 0.1 for 75th percentile
Use field data in Search Console and CrUX to validate real-world results.
2) Fix LCP with the fastest wins
Optimize your hero image, preconnect to critical origins, and inline critical CSS. Reduce server response time with caching and a CDN.
3) INP is the new performance battleground
Break up long tasks, debounce heavy handlers, and avoid main-thread blocking scripts. Use code splitting and lazy load non-critical widgets.
4) Prevent layout shifts for CLS
Always set width and height for images and embeds. Reserve space for banners and avoid inserting content above the fold after load.
5) Use performance budgets
Set limits for JS size, request counts, and third-party tags. Budgets prevent regressions during marketing campaigns or new launches.
6) Measure the right way
Run Lighthouse for lab signals, but prioritize WebPageTest and real user monitoring for field data. Track improvements by device class and geography.
7) CMS and ecommerce specifics
Compress images at upload, avoid heavy page builders, and defer non-essential scripts. For ecommerce, reduce filter and tracking scripts on product pages.
8) Quick roadmap to reach green
- Week 1: audit LCP and compress hero assets
- Week 2: reduce JS and fix long tasks for INP
- Week 3: lock CLS with reserved space and stable layouts
Core Web Vitals checklist
- LCP, INP, CLS targets documented
- Image and font loading optimized
- Script budget enforced
- Field data monitored monthly