In the world of web development, where user experience and SEO are crucial to a website’s success, it’s vital to address issues that can negatively impact these areas. One such issue is Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). In this post, we’ll explore CLS, when and why it occurs, how it affects SEO and UX, and why fixing it can be challenging.
What is Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)?
CLS is one of the Core Web Vitals metrics used to evaluate the quality of a website’s user experience. This metric measures the unexpected shifting of elements on a page as they load. For example, if you start reading text and it suddenly shifts down due to an image or ad loading, that’s CLS.
What causes Cumulative Layout Shift?
CLS happens when elements on a page unexpectedly change position, surprising the user. Here are a few common causes:
- Late Loading Images: When images load after the main content, they can cause text or other elements on the page to shift.
- Dynamic Content Inserts: Ads or subscription forms that load asynchronously can push other content around.
- Incorrect Element Sizing: If dimensions for images, videos, or other media aren’t pre-defined, the browser can’t reserve space for them.
- Incorrect Element Positioning: This often occurs with chat windows, pop-ups, and similar elements that aren’t properly positioned.
- Late CSS Code Execution: This issue usually arises when themes (like Elementor, Divi, Avada, and Thrive) or optimization plugins aren’t properly configured.
The Importance of CLS for SEO and UX
CLS directly impacts user experience (UX). Users expect stability when interacting with a site, and if elements shift, it causes frustration, potentially leading them to leave the site. It’s important to note that Google considers CLS as part of its evaluation of a site’s quality for search engines. This means that sites with poor CLS scores can lose search engine rankings, which negatively impacts organic traffic.
The Complexity of Fixing CLS
Fixing CLS issues can be straightforward in cases where the problem is obvious, such as missing size attributes for images. However, it can also be complex, especially when the cause involves dynamic content loading scenarios or third-party service integrations.
On WordPress sites, CLS issues can be caused by plugins, themes, or widgets that add dynamic content. Sometimes, these plugins or themes need manual configuration or even replacement to avoid unexpected page shifts.
WordPress CLS Optimization Service
When it comes to fixing Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), experience and in-depth knowledge are crucial. I have successfully resolved over 300 CLS issues on various WordPress sites, making me an expert in this field. Not every developer is capable of handling CLS-related tasks, especially when they involve not only immediate element shifting but also more complex issues related to Core Web Vitals.
Why I’m the CLS Expert You Need
Many developers can only fix superficial CLS problems that are noticeable at first glance. However, a true professional should be able to address more complex issues that impact Core Web Vitals metrics. These metrics are directly related to a site’s performance and its search engine rankings.
I handle CLS fixes at all levels, from momentary element shifts to complex issues with code, theme customization, and dynamic content. My experience with WordPress more than a decade, during which I have accumulated significant knowledge and skills. I am a freelance developer with many years of experience specializing in optimizing WordPress websites.
My expertise covers various WordPress themes and builders, such as Elementor, Oxygen, Divi, Thrive, Avada, Genesis, Kadence, Beaver Builder, Soledad, WP Bakery, and many more. Each of these themes and builders has its own specific features, and CLS issues can occur in any of them. I know exactly how to identify and fix these problems, regardless of their complexity.
Don’t delay solving your problems – contact me for a free analysis.
What is CLS?
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) is a metric that measures the cumulative shifting of elements on a page as it loads and interacts.
Why is CLS important for my site?
A high CLS score negatively impacts user experience and can lower a site’s search engine ranking.
How can I check CLS on my website?
You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to measure CLS and get recommendations on how to fix it.
Is it difficult to fix CLS on a WordPress site?
In some cases, it’s simple, like adding dimensions for images. But sometimes it requires deep customization of the theme, and plugins, or adding custom code.
Can I improve CLS without the help of a developer?
Yes, in some cases you can fix CLS on your own by following the recommendations of analysis tools. However, complex problems may require the help of a specialist.
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