What is Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)?
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) is a key metric in Core Web Vitals that is crucial for optimizing your site and improving its Google search ranking. CLS issues can negatively affect your Google search position and impact user experience. The more elements that “shift” during page load or scrolling, the higher your CLS score will be. Learn how to avoid these issues and improve your site’s performance. Ideally, your CLS score should be zero. For a detailed guide on solving CLS issues, check out: “What is Cumulative Layout Shift and How to Solve It”.
Common Causes of CLS:
- Ads not reserving space
- Incorrect optimization plugin settings
- Bugs in themes or builders (e.g., Divi, Thrive, Genesis)
- Shifting text on load (e.g., font-display: swap)
- Undefined height values for images or videos
- Overly aggressive optimization plugin settings (e.g., Seraphinite Accelerator, NitroPack, WP Rocket, LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache)
- Infinite scrolling (still considered a CLS-causing issue by Google)
- Incorrect placement of pop-up elements (e.g., ads, cookie notices)
- Improper block loading order (often caused by using the order property on the first screen)
Types of CLS Issues:
- CLS on Page Load
These layout shifts can be easily detected using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) Debugger. After fixing CLS issues, allow 28 days for your Core Web Vitals (CWV) to reflect the improvements in Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights.
- CLS When Interacting with a Page (Core Web Vitals CLS)
This type is trickier and requires specialized knowledge. You might see good results on Google PageSpeed Insights instant tests, but bad data in Google Search Console or the Core Web Vitals report (CLS score above 0.1). This requires identifying and fixing the specific elements causing shifts during user interaction. Tools like Google Lighthouse and thorough analysis of problematic pages are necessary. Once the fixes are implemented, it may take up to 28 days to reflect changes. In some cases, solving this type of CLS can take 2-3 months.
Where to Find Developers Who Can Help Fix CLS Issues on WordPress Sites
If you’ve found this article, you’re in the right place! I have been optimizing WordPress sites and fixing CLS issues for over 3 years, successfully resolving more than 300 cases of varying complexity. I have experience with various themes and builders (Divi, Thrive Architect, WPBakery, Oxygen, Elementor, Visual Composer, Seedprod, Beaver Builder, Woodmart, Genesis, etc.) and optimization plugins that can cause these problems (Seraphinite Accelerator, NitroPack, WP Rocket, LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache, etc.).
If you’re ready to eliminate CLS issues on your site once and for all, feel free to contact me. Typically, fixing CLS issues takes up to 3 days, with costs starting at $80.
FAQ:
Is it possible to fix CLS issues on my own?
Yes, in some cases, it is possible if you have a background in development and knowledge of CSS, PHP, JS, and HTML. However, in most cases, fixing CLS issues requires experience.
What do I need to get started?
Contact me, and I’ll analyze your site and provide an exact price and timeline.
Can you fix CLS via TeamViewer or AnyDesk?
No. Fixing CLS involves changes to plugin settings, adding code, and conducting numerous tests, which is not convenient to do via TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
Do you provide reports after the work is done?
Yes, I provide a photo/video report detailing the changes made to improve your CLS issues, along with a comprehensive PDF report outlining all modifications and additions.
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