On March 12, 2024, Google introduces a new core metric, namely Interaction to Next Paint, also known as INP. This development is the emphasis Google places on user experience by making Interaction to Next Paint (INP) a Core Web Vital metric. Increasing Google's focus on user experience is crucial for optimizing your website's performance and maintaining visibility in search results.
So, what does this mean for online marketers and what steps need to be taken to effectively embrace this change?
- Understanding the Importance of INP: INP measures the time it takes for the browser to display changes on the screen after a user interaction. Unlike FID, which only focuses on responsiveness to user input, INP highlights the visual aspect of responsiveness. This means your website must not only respond quickly to user actions but also provide seamless visual feedback to improve user satisfaction.
- Building on FID Improvements: If you have already worked on improving FID as part of your Core Web Vital strategy, you are on the right track. The optimizations made to improve FID form a solid foundation to enhance INP and the overall responsiveness of your pages. Ensure that JavaScript execution is optimized, non-essential tasks are deferred, and server response times are minimized to further improve INP.
- Prioritizing Core Web Vitals: Achieving good scores for Core Web Vitals is not just about meeting Google's guidelines; it's about providing an exceptional user experience. Aim for good scores on all Core Web Vitals, including FID and INP, to improve your website's performance in search results and ensure a positive user experience.
- Beyond Core Web Vitals: While Core Web Vitals are important indicators of page experience, they are not the only factors influencing search ranking. A holistic approach to page experience considers factors such as mobile-friendliness, safe browsing, and HTTPS security. Therefore, remain focused on improving your website's overall performance and user experience, beyond just Core Web Vitals.
By acting on Google's evolving algorithms that increasingly prioritize user experience, you can enhance your website's performance, increase visibility, and ultimately achieve better results for your business. Check Google's guidelines and resources for more insights on INP and navigating changes in Core Web Vitals.
Let's be proactive in optimizing our websites to provide exceptional user experiences and achieve success in the ever-changing digital landscape.
