{"id":23348,"date":"2024-03-28T22:17:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T19:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/?p=23348"},"modified":"2025-07-23T17:05:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T14:05:09","slug":"questions-surrounding-google-pagespeed-insights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/questions-surrounding-google-pagespeed-insights\/","title":{"rendered":"Google PageSpeed scores aren\u2019t what you think. Here\u2019s what really matters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Have you ever spent hours trying to speed up your site without seeing your Google PageSpeed score improve? You\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many bloggers fall into the same trap: cutting features, trying new themes, even removing income-generating scripts \u2013 all for a better score. But here\u2019s the truth: PageSpeed doesn\u2019t tell the whole story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll break down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>how to use PageSpeed Insights correctly,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>which metrics really impact rankings and user experience,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and how expert bloggers speed up their sites without losing their sanity (or revenue).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is PageSpeed Insights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PageSpeed Insights is a free tool from Google that tells you how fast your website loads, and what\u2019s slowing it down. You just copy and paste a URL into the tool, and it gives you a score out of 100 for both mobile and desktop. The higher the score, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with the score, it shows you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What\u2019s working well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What\u2019s slowing your site down<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suggestions for fixing those issues<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It also gives you two kinds of data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lab data<\/strong> is like a speed test done in a controlled setting. It helps you find technical problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Field data<\/strong> shows how real people have experienced your site over the past 28 days. If your site has enough traffic, it tells you how fast (or slow) it feels to actual users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, lab and field data tell you how your site performs in theory and in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lab data vs. field data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although PageSpeed Insights always shows both <a href=\"https:\/\/web.dev\/articles\/lab-and-field-data-differences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lab and field data<\/a>, <strong>your score is based only on lab data<\/strong>. Lab data simulates a slower connection to reflect \u201caverage\u201d user conditions. It\u2019s often harsher than field data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Field data reflects how real people experienced your site. It often looks better than the lab test, especially if most readers are on decent connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f16b884e961&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1000\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-1536x960.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-781x488.png 781w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-416x260.png 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So if your Core Web Vitals (see below) look green, but your PageSpeed score is in the 60s, that\u2019s normal \u2013 and it\u2019s <strong>one of the biggest reasons not to obsess over PageSpeed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why bloggers care about page speed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s simple: when your site loads slowly, people leave. And a delay of just a few seconds can mean fewer clicks, shorter time on page, and a higher bounce rate \u2013 all things that hurt your blog\u2019s SEO performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast-loading pages help with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Better user experience<\/strong>. Visitors can read and interact with your content without frustration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Higher search rankings<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/appearance\/page-experience#ranking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google has confirmed<\/a> that speed and Core Web Vitals are part of its ranking system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Higher revenue <\/strong>\u2013 especially if you run display ads, have affiliate links, or sell digital products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why bloggers pay so much attention to&nbsp; PageSpeed Insights. It seems like a direct way to fix speed issues and boost SEO.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the catch\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your PageSpeed score gives you hints about what you might need to fix, but it doesn\u2019t give you deep insight into what real users are experiencing. To understand what\u2019s happening to real users, you need <a href=\"https:\/\/web.dev\/articles\/vitals#core-web-vitals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Core Web Vitals<\/a> (CWVs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.dev\/articles\/vitals#core-web-vitals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google has confirmed CWVs are part of its ranking system<\/a>. Your overall PageSpeed score? Not so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Page speed vs. Core Web Vitals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your PageSpeed score comes from a mix of different factors. Just as a student can fail one test but still get a B in the class, a site can have a major speed problem but still get a decent score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Core Web Vitals, on the other hand, are specific speed metrics that Google uses to measure user experience, and they all have a big impact on your rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three CWVs:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)<\/strong> \u2013 how long it takes for the main content on your page to show up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interaction to Next Paint (INP) <\/strong>\u2013 how quickly your site responds when someone clicks or taps something.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)<\/strong> \u2013 how stable your layout is while the page loads (no jumping buttons or shifting text).<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>(Below, we\u2019ll go through each in depth.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tools like PageSpeed Insights can help you find Core Web Vitals issues \u2013 but it\u2019s the metrics that really matter, not your score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How accurate are PageSpeed Insights metrics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two people can test the same page and get slightly different results. That\u2019s why bloggers and developers use PageSpeed Insights as a starting point, not the final word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To understand what\u2019s going on, pay attention to changes in your scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why your scores change over time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few factors that might affect your score:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When you run the test<\/strong> \u2013 server load, network conditions, or traffic spikes can impact performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What version of your page is tested<\/strong> \u2013 if you recently made changes or your site uses dynamic content (like ads), it may load differently each time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The data source<\/strong> \u2013 PSI blends lab data and field data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What experienced bloggers say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most bloggers agree: although PageSpeed Insights scores can give good info, it\u2019s more important to focus on your Core Web Vitals score, which Google has confirmed as a ranking factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile tp-no-border\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/aleksi-luovix.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23351 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/aleksi-luovix.png 400w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/aleksi-luovix-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/aleksi-luovix-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aleksi Luovix, <a href=\"https:\/\/italyvacationplans.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/italyvacationplans.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Italy Vacation Plans<\/a><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For Core Web Vitals, I recommend everyone to keep an eye on their Google Search Console instead of running the PageSpeed test on random URLs of your site. Multiple times, I\u2019ve realized that the CLS or LCP has been on yellow\/red for many weeks or even a couple of months.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile tp-no-border\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sharon-gourlay.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23353 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sharon-gourlay.png 300w, https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sharon-gourlay-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sharon Gourlay, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalnomadwannabe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Digital Nomad Wannabe<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I use my Core Web Vitals rating in Search Console to decide if I have a problem, and then PageSpeed Insights to narrow down what that problem is. I don\u2019t really care if it says I have problems if Core Web Vitals is saying my site is all green.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core Web Vitals in depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>LCP measures how long it takes for the main content on your page to load fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> If people have to stare at a blank or half-loaded page, they\u2019ll leave. LCP tells you when your site <em>feels<\/em> ready and when the biggest piece of content (usually an image or headline) shows up on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good LCP is under 2.5 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Interaction to Next Paint (INP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>INP measures how quickly your site responds when someone clicks, taps, or types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> If readers click a button and nothing happens for a second or two, they\u2019ll get frustrated. INP shows how smooth and responsive your site feels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good INP is under 200 milliseconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CLS measures whether stuff moves around on your page while loading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> The more stable your site, the better the experience. You\u2019ve probably tried to click something and had it suddenly shift or disappear. That\u2019s CLS. It tracks layout \u201cjumps\u201d caused by ads, fonts, or late-loading images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You want a CLS score of 0.1 or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to improve your CWVs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what to focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compress images, use faster hosting, and try not to use large above-the-fold elements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimize heavy JavaScript, remove unnecessary plugins, and reduce third-party scripts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set fixed dimensions for images and ads, use fallback fonts, and avoid layout shifts during loading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And of course, remember that speed isn\u2019t the only thing Google cares about. Helpful content, mobile usability, backlinks, and great UX are still crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I remove page speed and monetization scripts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PageSpeed Insights often blames ad scripts, affiliate tools, or other monetization code for slowing your site down. But before you remove anything, ask yourself two questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is this hurting my Core Web Vitals?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the revenue worth the slower loading?<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what you can do instead of removing the script entirely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Delay non-essential scripts<\/strong> until after the page loads. Many speed optimization plugins let you do this with a few clicks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Load scripts only where needed<\/strong> \u2013 for example, don\u2019t load affiliate widgets sitewide if they\u2019re only used on a few pages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <strong>lighter versions<\/strong> of tracking tools or <strong>embed codes<\/strong> when possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talk to your ad provider \u2013 companies like Mediavine and Ezoic have <strong>built-in tools<\/strong> and support to help with Core Web Vitals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use caching and a content delivery network (CDN) to reduce the impact of heavy scripts.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If a script is slowing your site down and there\u2019s no fix, then yes, consider removing it, but only after testing and considering the impact on your revenue. <strong>The goal isn\u2019t to have zero scripts. It\u2019s to run a sustainable site that earns money.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common speed issues on travel blogs and how to fix them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is my mobile page speed score so low?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mobile scores are almost always lower than desktop ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some quick fixes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compress images (use WebP format if possible)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use fewer large hero images or sliders above the fold<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid heavy fonts and extra animations<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even minor improvements here can make a big difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do I do if my website is hacked?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A hacked site doesn\u2019t just damage trust; it can tank your Core Web Vitals and rankings. If you suddenly see a massive PageSpeed drop, slow backend, or strange redirects, the issue might be a hack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steps to take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Run a malware scan (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordfence.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wordfence<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/sucuri.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sucuri<\/a>, or your host\u2019s tool).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change all passwords immediately \u2013 including FTP and hosting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restore a clean backup, if available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a security plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask your host for help; many have cleanup services.<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevent hacks in the future by keeping plugins and themes updated and using strong login protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools to use alongside PageSpeed Insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best plugins to improve website speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are tons of speed plugins, but here are the ones bloggers trust most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wp-rocket.me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WP Rocket<\/a> \u2013 all-in-one caching and performance plugin (paid but beginner-friendly).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingpress.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FlyingPress<\/a> \u2013 lightweight and fast, great for Core Web Vitals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/perfmatters.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Perfmatters<\/a> \u2013 helps you disable unused features and scripts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en-ca.wordpress.org\/plugins\/autoptimize\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autoptimize<\/a> \u2013 free plugin that handles script and CSS optimization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/shortpixel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ShortPixel<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/imagify.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Imagify<\/a> \u2013 for automatic image compression.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>More plugins don\u2019t mean better results; stick to one or two core tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cloudflare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloudflare is a free content delivery network that speeds up your site. It also adds basic security and can improve metrics like Time to First Byte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside? It can conflict with caching plugins if not set up correctly. Also, features like page rules or image optimization can also be confusing. If you use it, make sure your performance plugin has Cloudflare support enabled, and test carefully after setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best speed and performance monitoring tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to track how your site performs over time, these tools can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/search-console\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Search Console<\/a> \u2013 shows Core Web Vitals using real user data straight from Google.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gtmetrix.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GTmetrix<\/a> \u2013 offers detailed performance reports and waterfall breakdowns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pingdom.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pingdom<\/a> \u2013 easy-to-read speed test with geographic testing options.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These tools are excellent for monitoring long-term issues that PSI might miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best debugging tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To dig into what\u2019s slowing your site down, use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.debugbear.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DebugBear<\/a> \u2013 tracks Core Web Vitals over time and lets you compare changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/developer.chrome.com\/docs\/lighthouse\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lighthouse<\/a> \u2013 the open-source engine behind PSI. Run it directly in Chrome DevTools for more control and faster testing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SEO and performance audit tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Page speed is just one part of SEO. These tools help you see the bigger picture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Semrush<\/a> \u2013 run site audits, check technical issues, and monitor Core Web Vitals at scale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ahrefs<\/a> \u2013 known for backlink tracking, but also offers site health audits and performance metrics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve looked closely at Google PageSpeed Insights, how it works, and why its scores can be misleading. Here are the most important points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A low score doesn\u2019t always mean your site is slow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on Core Web Vitals \u2013 LCP, INP, and CLS are what impact rankings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real user experience (field data) is more valuable than lab test results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t remove important features or revenue tools just to boost your score.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PageSpeed Insights is just one tool \u2013 use it alongside others for a complete view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Google considers many factors when ranking pages, and speed is just one of them.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pay attention to page speed, but don\u2019t obsess over it. Focus on what improves user experience and supports your blog\u2019s long-term financial success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stop chasing that perfect score.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":27230,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[621,7,620],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-23348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seo","category-advices","category-traffic","tag-seo"],"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/56"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23348"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28180,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23348\/revisions\/28180"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}