LCP measures loading performance – when the largest content element becomes visible. Aim for under 2.5 seconds by optimizing images, improving server response, and using CDNs for better Core Web Vitals scores.
Why Largest Contentful Paint Matters
LCP matters because it is a direct signal of a website’s performance and user experience. Google’s algorithms now prioritize sites that provide a fast and seamless user experience. A high LCP score can lead to a lower ranking, a higher bounce rate, and a lower click-through rate. A slow-loading page is a major source of user frustration. A low LCP score, on the other hand, is a clear signal that your website is a high-quality resource. It is a key part of your technical SEO and a crucial element for your Core Web Vitals.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of Largest Contentful Paint is a technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can improve their LCP by using a variety of plugins. A good plugin can help you optimize your images, minify your CSS and JavaScript, and use a content delivery network (CDN) to serve your content from a server closest to the user.
Shopify
On Shopify, Largest Contentful Paint is essential for a fast and seamless user experience. You can improve your LCP by optimizing your product images, using a CDN, and by using a theme that is optimized for performance.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for LCP. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated LCP strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your LCP performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use Largest Contentful Paint will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites rely heavily on high-quality product images. A slow-loading product image can lead to a high bounce rate and a loss of sales. Optimizing your images is crucial for a low LCP.
Local Businesses
Local businesses need their key pages, like their homepage and contact page, to load as quickly as possible. A slow-loading page can lead to a high bounce rate and a loss of customers.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies often use a lot of images or videos in their marketing materials. Optimizing these images is crucial for a low LCP, which can improve their conversion rate.
Blogs
Blogs are often heavy with images and videos. Optimizing these images and videos is crucial for a low LCP, which can lead to a lower bounce rate and a higher time on site.
Do’s and Don’ts of LCP
Do’s
- Do optimize your images. This is the most effective way to improve your Largest Contentful Paint.
- Do use a CDN. A CDN can help deliver your content from a server closest to the user, which can reduce the download time.
- Do use a tool to check for rendering issues. The URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console will show you how Google sees your pages.
- Do check your Core Web Vitals report. This report provides a clear picture of your website’s performance.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a large image as the largest contentful paint element. This can cause a significant delay in the time it takes to render your page.
- Don’t use a lot of CSS or JavaScript. This can block the rendering of your page and cause a significant delay.
- Don’t ignore the importance of a brand. The Knowledge Graph is a key part of your brand’s reputation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- A lack of server-side rendering (SSR) or pre-rendering: This is the most common and devastating mistake.
- Having a slow rendering speed: A slow rendering speed can lead to a limited rendering budget.
- Failing to check for JavaScript errors: A single JavaScript error can prevent a search engine from rendering your page.
FAQs
What is a good Largest Contentful Paint score?
A good LCP score is 2.5 seconds or less. Anything above that is considered a poor user experience and can harm your website’s rankings.
What is the difference between LCP and First Contentful Paint (FCP)?
FCP measures the time it takes for the first element on a page to load. Largest Contentful Paint measures the time it takes for the largest and most important element to load. LCP is a more user-centric metric.
What is a “Core Web Vital”?
A Core Web Vital is a set of three metrics that measure a website’s user experience. They include Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
How does LCP affect my SEO?
LCP is a direct ranking factor. A website with a high LCP score can lead to a lower ranking, a higher bounce rate, and a lower click-through rate.
How can I improve my website’s LCP?
You can improve your website’s Largest Contentful Paint by optimizing your images, using a CDN, and by using a theme that is optimized for performance. You should also check for any JavaScript or CSS that is blocking the rendering of your page.
