The day has arrived. Today, March 12, 2024, marks an important day for SEOs and webmasters.
Google bids adieu to First Input Delay (FID) and places it with Interaction to Next Paint (INP) in their Core Web Vitals lineup.
And search console will stop showing FID.
Interestingly, Google has shared this infographic on their website:
But what does this mean for your website and how can you pre-emptively optimize for this new metric?
What Is Interaction To Next Paint, And Why The Switch?
Whenever a user interacts with your site (such as clicking links or buttons), Next Paint immediately renders the action. Simply put, it's all about how quickly your website visibly responds to a user's command.
Google is swapping FID for INP in its quest to refine the art of user-experience evaluation.
Google Search Console's INP Integration
Slated for later in the year, Google Search Console will revamp their Core Web Vitals reports, waving goodbye to FID metrics and welcoming INP with open arms. This change is not merely cosmetic. Because it shapes the SEO landscape in a tangible way.
Action Plan: From FID To INP
SEO pros, it’s time to make INP our new best friend. So, look at how your website handles user interactions and initiate any necessary fixes.
But HOW?
Begin by understanding how Google measures INP and make incremental adjustments that align with Google's optimization guide for this fledgling metric.
Don't Obsess—But Do Pay Attention
Here is a quick tip: While INP is the new kid on the block, don’t fall into the trap of obsessive metric-watching. Prioritize the holistic performance of your site and user experience over a single number.
Confusion Alert - Core Web Vitals VS Core Updates
Amidst the march of Core Web Vitals, remember that another player is joining the dance—the March 2024 core update.
But please remember that there is no correlation between Core Web Vitals and Core updates.
So, stay calm and refrain from misinformation. The best thing you can do is curate a long-term SEO strategy.
Speed Up Responsiveness
Early optimization holds the key. INP is about responsiveness. So, websites must be lightning-quick in reacting to user input. It's time to scrutinize those milliseconds and eliminate any lag.
