Introduction to Core Web Vitals
Google’s Barry Pollard recently explained why website owners see different Core Web Vitals scores in Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX) versus Google Search Console. The main reason for this difference is that both tools measure different aspects of a website’s performance. Understanding the distinction between these two tools can help website owners make informed decisions about their SEO work.
How CrUX and Search Console Differ
CrUX and Search Console measure performance differently. CrUX counts page views, reflecting how real Chrome users experience a site across visits. Every visit is a data point, so if one person visits the homepage ten times, that’s ten experiences counted. On the other hand, Search Console evaluates individual URLs and groups similar pages, providing a template-level view of page health across the site.
Understanding CrUX Data
CrUX data is measured by ‘page views’. This means that users can visit a single page many times, or multiple pages once. For instance, 90% of a website’s ‘page views’ may be the homepage. This data gives insight into how users interact with the site, highlighting which pages are most popular and need optimization.
Understanding Search Console Data
Search Console works differently, giving a URL-level view of page health. It uses the same underlying field data sourced from CrUX but presents it in a way that helps website owners identify specific pages that need improvement. Google’s documentation confirms that CrUX is the official Web Vitals field dataset, and the Core Web Vitals report in Search Console is derived from it.
Why Both Metrics Matter
The choice between focusing on page views or individual pages depends on the website owner’s goals. High-traffic pages affect more people, so they often deserve first priority. However, slower pages should not be ignored, as improving them could lead to more visits. The best approach is to use both views, keeping popular pages fast for current visitors and improving slower sections to raise overall site quality and discoverability.
Creating an Action Plan
When CrUX looks good but Search Console shows many problem URLs, it usually means that the most-visited pages are fine, while long-tail sections need work. This information provides useful direction for improvement. Website owners should start with the pages that drive the most sessions and revenue, then work through other templates so URL-level health catches up. It’s essential to assess changes using both tools and consider what each is counting and over which time window.
Looking Ahead
Website owners should not panic when the numbers don’t align between CrUX and Search Console. These tools are showing different views of the same reality: user experiences and page health by URL/group. By using both tools, website owners can guide their roadmap and reporting, making informed decisions to improve their website’s performance and SEO.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between CrUX and Search Console is crucial for website owners who want to improve their website’s performance and SEO. By recognizing that both tools measure different aspects of a website, owners can use this information to their advantage, creating a comprehensive plan to optimize their site. This approach will help website owners prioritize their efforts, focusing on the pages that need the most improvement while also considering the overall user experience. By doing so, they can enhance their website’s quality, discoverability, and ultimately, its success.