Key Takeaways
- Understanding CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) is crucial to prevent website frustration and abandonment, and to maintain search engine rankings.
- Optimizing CLS improves user experience by eliminating unexpected page shifts, resulting in increased engagement and reduced bounce rates.
- Planning and preparation are key to CLS optimization, involving reserving space for future elements and implementing smooth transitions for layout changes.
Imagine browsing your favorite website, only to have the page jump and shift unexpectedly as elements load, leaving you feeling disoriented and frustrated. This annoying phenomenon is known as Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), and it’s a major UX killer that can drive users away in droves.
The Importance of CLS
CLS is not just a minor annoyance; it has a significant impact on user experience. Studies have shown that websites with poor CLS scores are more likely to be abandoned, with users spending less time on the page and returning less often. Additionally, Google now considers CLS as a ranking factor, meaning websites with high CLS scores may struggle to rank well in search results.
Causes of CLS
CLS occurs when the layout of a webpage changes unexpectedly as elements load. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Content loading at different speeds, altering the layout
- Slow-loading ads, dynamically added DOM elements, or videos of unknown size
Measuring CLS
To analyze CLS, you can use Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool or Chrome’s Lighthouse Tools. These tools provide a CLS score that ranges from 0 to 1, with lower scores indicating less layout shift. A good CLS score is considered to be less than 0.1.
Improving CLS
Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to improve CLS on your website:
- Use a CMS with built-in diagnostics
- Specify size attributes for images and videos to reserve space
- Manage ads to prevent layout disruption
- Load new content below the viewport
- Use transitions and animations to provide context for page changes
Note on Expected vs Unexpected Layout Shift
It’s important to note that CLS only considers unexpected shifts. User-initiated actions (e.g., scrolling, clicking “Read more”) do not impact CLS.
Benefits of CLS Optimization
Optimizing CLS on your website offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved user experience and reduced abandonment
- Enhanced search engine ranking
Bonus: Want to know the secret to CLS optimization? It’s all about planning and preparation. By reserving space for elements that will load later and using transitions to smooth out layout changes, you can create a website that loads seamlessly and delights your users.
Remember, a good CLS score is like a well-oiled machine: it runs smoothly, without any unexpected jolts or bumps. So, take the time to optimize your website’s CLS, and watch as your user experience and search engine rankings soar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a good CLS score?
A good CLS score is considered to be less than 0.1.
How can I measure CLS on my website?
You can use Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool or Chrome’s Lighthouse Tools to analyze CLS.
Why is CLS important for SEO?
Google considers CLS as a ranking factor, meaning websites with high CLS scores may struggle to rank well in search results.
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