LCP element: optimizing the festive web, one byte at a time

Greetings, web wizards!

In the spirit of this festive Monday, as the Christmas season envelops us in joy, let’s embark on a special journey to unwrap the gift of stellar web performance. Much like breaking down a grand challenge into manageable parts, join us as we guide you through decoding your Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) – your very own digital present in the enchanting realm of online experiences.

Unveiling the Festive Complexity:Similar to unwrapping presents, LCP optimization can feel like an enchanting mystery. Fear not! Today, let’s unravel the secrets of superior web performance, breaking down the magic into smaller, more manageable sub-parts. Get ready to transform your approach to optimization with a festive touch.

Critical Components: 🎁 Visualize LCP as a holiday puzzle with two primary pieces – the initial HTML document and the LCP resource. Just as you’d unwrap one present at a time, focus on these to gain insight into your page’s optimization status. But here’s the festive twist: break down the total LCP time into four critical sub-parts to truly understand the enchanting intricacies:

• Time to First Byte (TTFB): The time from when the user initiates loading the page until when the browser receives the first byte of the HTML document response.
• Resource Load Delay: The delta between TTFB and when the browser starts loading the LCP resource. If the LCP element does not require a resource load to render (for example, if the element is a text node rendered with a system font), this time will be 0.
• Resource Load Time: The time it takes to load the LCP resource itself. If the LCP element does not require a resource load to render (for example, if the element is a text node rendered with a system font), this time will be 0.
• Element Render Delay: The delta between when the LCP resource finishes loading until the LCP element is fully rendered.

Interaction to next paint (INP): does it matter?

Optimizing the Holiday Journey: 🎅The real magic unfolds when you optimize each sub-part individually. Picture it as crafting the perfect gingerbread house – each part contributing to the overall sweetness. Remember, it’s not just about improving one area; it’s about orchestrating holiday harmony among all components.

Guidelines for Festive Success: 🌟To simplify the breakdown, consider the optimal sub-part times as your festive guidelines:

• TTFB: ~40% of LCP
• Resource Load Delay: <10% of LCP
• Resource Load Time: ~40% of LCP
• Element Render Delay: <10% of LCP

Note that these time breakdowns are not strict rules, they’re guidelines. If the LCP times on your pages are consistently within 2.5 seconds, then it doesn’t really matter what the relative proportions are. But if you’re spending a lot of unnecessary time in either of the “delay” portions, then it will be very difficult to constantly hit the 2.5-second target.

LCP element: optimizing each sub-part: 🛠️

Now that you’ve unwrapped the complexities of LCP and identified the key sub-parts, it’s time to optimize each one for a truly enchanting web performance.

1. Time to First Byte (TTFB):
   Optimize your server and backend processes to reduce server response time.
   Leverage content delivery networks (CDNs) to distribute content geographically, minimizing TTFB.
2. Resource Load Delay:
   Ensure critical resources are included in the HTML response or preload them with a high fetch priority.
   Minimize unnecessary delays by optimizing the delivery of essential resources.
3. Resource Load Time:
   Reduce resource size by serving the optimal format, compression, and trimming unnecessary content.
   Host resources on the same origin or preconnect to the hosting server to expedite loading.
   Limit concurrent resource fetches to mitigate network contention.
   Inline critical content where possible to reduce the need for additional resource requests.
4. Element Render Delay:
   Ensure the LCP element is displayed promptly by addressing any JavaScript tasks delaying rendering.
   Optimize or defer non-essential JavaScript execution to prevent delays in rendering.

Remember, the key to an optimal web performance lies in harmonizing these optimizations across all sub-parts. Each enhancement contributes to an overall smoother user experience.

LCP element: try it now on Speed Analysis 🚀

Ready to add a touch of magic to your web performance? Follow these festive steps:

1. Run a Speed Analysis Report: Start by running a Speed Analysis report for your web page to gather essential data.
2. Note the LCP Value: Look for the LCP value associated with a specific resource, whether it’s an image, text, or the first image of a video.
3. Time to First Byte: Identify the TTFB value in the report. If it takes more than 40% of your LCP, consider optimization.
4. LCP Resource in the Timeline/Waterfall: Locate the LCP resource in the Timeline/Waterfall. Note when the loading started and ended.
5. Resource Load Time: Hover over the dedicated chart bar of the LCP resource to find the start loading timing and identify the resource load time.
6. Calculate Element Render Delay: To determine the Element Render Delay, subtract the LCP Resource’s end time from the time the LCP element is fully rendered. This will give you the delay time.
7. Start Optimizing: Armed with these insights, you now have a clear understanding of each sub-part’s time. Begin optimizing by addressing any delays in Time to First Byte, Resource Load Delay, Resource Load Time, and Element Render Delay.

As easy as unwrapping gifts!Take Action and Spread the Magic! ✨Armed with the knowledge of LCP sub-parts and optimization strategies, it’s time to weave your own enchanting web experience. Share these insights with your team, implement the recommended optimizations, and watch as your website transforms into a performance wonderland.

Now, we want to hear from you!Did you already know about the breakdown of LCP into sub-parts? Are you excited to leverage this strategic approach to enhance your web performance? Share your thoughts, experiences, and plans in the comments below. Are you ready to unwrap the full potential of your website’s performance?

Remember, the best way to solve a big problem is to break it down into smaller, solvable pieces. Let’s make your web performance journey as delightful as the holiday season itself! 🌐✨🎄

A guide to understanding Google’s Core Web Vitals