How can I optimize my Webflow website for the upcoming Google Core Web Vitals update, specifically for issues related to proper image sizing and eliminating render-blocking resources?

To prepare your Webflow site for the Google Core Web Vitals update, you should focus on optimizing image sizes and eliminating render-blocking resources, as these directly impact Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and First Input Delay (FID).

1. Optimize Image Sizing in Webflow

• Use WebP Format: Whenever possible, upload images in WebP format, which offers superior compression with no quality loss.
• Enable Image Compression: Webflow automatically compresses images, but you can manually optimize them using tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh before upload for greater control.
• Use the Correct Dimensions: Ensure images aren’t larger than their container. Resize them to the max display size before upload.
• Use Responsive Images: Webflow auto-generates versions of your images at different resolutions. Ensure you’re using Image elements (not background images) to take advantage of this.
• Set Width/Height or Aspect Ratio: To avoid layout shifts, apply fixed width and height attributes or use aspect ratio settings (e.g., 16:9).
• Apply lazy-loading: Webflow automatically includes loading="lazy" for image elements; don’t remove this unless necessary.

2. Eliminate Render-Blocking Resources

• Minimize External Fonts and Scripts: Avoid loading large font files and third-party scripts unless essential. Limit fonts to 1–2 families and only required weights/styles.
• Use Webflow’s Built-in Minification:
• Enable CSS Minify: Go to Project Settings > Hosting tab and turn on Minify CSS.
• Enable JS Minify: Also in the Hosting tab, turn on Minify JS.
• Move Custom Scripts to Footer: If you’re adding custom code, insert it in the Before section, not the , to prevent blocking rendering.
• Defer Unused Scripts/Styles: For any third-party embeds or custom code, add defer or async attributes when possible (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Avoid Large Hero Background Videos: These delay LCP and often block critical page rendering. Use a static image fallback or lightweight Lottie animation if needed.

3. Test with Core Web Vitals Tools

• Use Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools to assess Core Web Vitals.
• Look for red/orange alerts under Properly size images and Eliminate render-blocking resources.
• Test both desktop and mobile views—Core Web Vitals are more strict on mobile.

Summary

To optimize your Webflow site for Core Web Vitals, focus on responsive, compressed images with proper sizing and minimize render-blocking CSS and JavaScript. Use Webflow’s built-in optimizations, limit resource-heavy elements, and test with tools like PageSpeed Insights to verify your improvements.