How to Improve Core Web Vitals in Magento 2

Key Strategies to Boost Core Web Vitals in Magento 2

1. Improve Images and Media for Faster Page Rendering

Large and unoptimized images are a major factor contributing to slow Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) in Magento 2 stores.

• Modern formats like WebP and AVIF allow images to load faster by reducing file size while keeping quality intact.
• Compress images using tools like TinyPNG, ImageMagick, or other Magento-compatible image optimizers to ensure faster loading.
• Enable lazy loading for images that are below the fold or off-screen, so they load only when needed, improving initial page rendering.
• Resize images according to their display containers to avoid serving unnecessarily large files that slow down page load.

By applying these image optimization techniques, Magento 2 pages can load critical content faster, improving LCP and creating a smoother user experience.

2. Enable Full Page Caching (FPC)

Magento 2 comes with built-in Full Page Caching, which reduces server load and delivers pages quickly to users:

• Ensure Varnish caching is enabled for production environments.
• Configure cache lifetimes based on content update frequency.
• Use CDN caching to deliver static resources faster to global users.

Proper caching reduces LCP and improves FID by serving pre-rendered pages almost instantly.

3. Minify and Merge CSS & JavaScript

Excessive CSS and JavaScript can slow down page load and block rendering:

• Enable CSS and JS minification in Magento 2 under Stores → Configuration → Advanced → Developer.
• Merge files where possible to reduce HTTP requests.
• Deferring non-critical JavaScript allows pages to render faster and perform more efficiently.

This reduces render-blocking resources and improves both LCP and FID.

4. Optimize Third-Party Extensions and Modules

Magento 2 stores often use multiple extensions, but poorly coded modules can slow pages:

• Audit extensions for performance bottlenecks.
• Disable unnecessary modules that impact frontend load.
• Use profiling tools like Blackfire.io or Magento’s built-in profiler to identify slow components.

Optimized extensions reduce the number of heavy scripts, improving page responsiveness and layout stability.

5. Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Serving static files from a CDN can dramatically improve page load:

• Leverage CDNs like Cloudflare, AWS CloudFront, or Fastly to speed up content delivery.
• Offload CSS, JS, fonts, and images to CDN servers closest to users.
• Apply suitable cache headers to static resources to enhance load performance.

A CDN reduces latency and improves LCP and FID, especially for global customers.

6. Reduce Server Response Times (TTFB)

Time to First Byte (TTFB) is critical for Core Web Vitals:

• Use a high-performance hosting solution optimized for Magento 2.
• Enable PHP OPcache and consider Redis or Memcached for session storage.
• Optimize MySQL queries and enable database caching.
• Minimize unnecessary backend processing during page load.

Faster server responses directly improve LCP and overall site responsiveness.

7. Optimize Fonts and Typography

Custom fonts can block rendering and increase layout shifts:

• Preload essential fonts with <link rel=”preload”> to improve page rendering speed.
• Prefer system fonts or limit the use of custom fonts to reduce page load time.
• Set font-display: swap to avoid hidden text as web fonts load.

Proper font optimization improves CLS and reduces page render delays.

8. Use Lazy Loading for Non-Critical Resources

Beyond images, other elements like videos, sliders, and pop-ups can delay page interaction:

• Implement lazy loading for all non-critical assets.
• Defer loading scripts for below-the-fold content.
• Use lightweight sliders and avoid heavy animations on initial load.

This approach reduces FID and improves perceived load speed.

9. Reduce Layout Shifts

Unexpected layout shifts frustrate users and harm CLS:

• Define explicit width and height for images and video containers to maintain visual stability.
• Avoid adding dynamic content above existing elements to maintain layout stability.
• Minimize third-party scripts that inject banners or pop-ups.

Stable layouts ensure that users can interact with pages without accidental clicks.

10. Ongoing Monitoring and Optimization

Core Web Vitals are constantly evolving and necessitate continuous tracking:

• Core Web Vitals are ever-changing, making it essential to keep track of your site’s performance regularly.
• Implement real-user monitoring (RUM) to gain insights into the authentic user experience.
• Continuously optimize pages, update extensions, and clean unused resources.

Magento 2 is constantly evolving, so a proactive optimization approach ensures consistently good Core Web Vitals scores.