Haresh Baldaniya
Jan 5, 2024
6 min read
Last updated Jan 8, 2024
Achieving a perfect 100 Lighthouse Performance Score for websites is a prestigious accomplishment. This comprehensive guide delves into general optimization practices and specifically addresses strategies for improving Core Web Vitals. As we navigate through this journey, we'll also compare Google Lighthouse and PageSpeed Insights, providing clarity on these essential tools for enhancing Google rankings.
Before we delve into the optimization techniques, it's crucial to understand the components of the Lighthouse Performance Score. Lighthouse, being a Google tool, evaluates various aspects, including speed, accessibility, progressive web apps, SEO, and more. Core Web Vitals, a subset of Lighthouse metrics, focus specifically on user experience through loading performance, including Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
Now, if you're aiming for a Google Lighthouse score above 95, you need a strategic approach that addresses not only the general performance aspects but also the Core Web Vitals. Let's explore how you can optimize your website using Next.js features, incorporating the specific points you provided.
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As we strive for a Google Lighthouse score above 95, let's focus on the Core Web Vitals, specifically targeting the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) aspect. Large images and unoptimized assets can significantly impact LCP. Employ tools like ImageOptim or TinyPNG for image compression and responsive image techniques to ensure optimal loading.
Browser caching plays a crucial role in reducing load times for returning visitors, positively affecting both FID and LCP. Configure cache headers effectively to store static files locally, diminishing the need for repeated downloads and improving your Google Lighthouse score.
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The critical rendering path is vital for a swift initial page load, directly influencing LCP and FID. By optimizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you enhance the user's first interaction with your content. But what about Total Blocking Time (TBT)?
Here's where we integrate the provided points for TBT reduction:
Avoid Unnecessary Script Imports to Boost Your Lighthouse Score:
Importing unnecessary scripts into the layout.tsx and any of the main file of the page can contribute to TBT. Adhere to best practices by importing third-party packages or scripts into specific components where needed. This practice aids in dividing the loading and parsing of main scripts, preventing unnecessary work on the main thread, ultimately improving your Google Lighthouse score.
Dynamic Import for Large Components to Enhance Your Google Lighthouse Score:
If your page contains multiple components with significant sizes and imports several libraries, consider using dynamic imports. This approach improves the initial loading performance by reducing the JavaScript needed to render a route, thereby boosting your Google Lighthouse score.
Optimize Constant Value Files for a Better Google Lighthouse Score:
Files used for constant values should refrain from importing local or package components. This precaution prevents the importation of large scripts when including constant values in specific components, positively impacting TBT and contributing to a better Google Lighthouse score.
Lazy loading is an effective strategy for optimizing LCP, especially when dealing with extensive image or multimedia content. By deferring the loading of non-essential assets, you enhance the initial page load. This aligns with Core Web Vitals recommendations, contributing to an improved Google Lighthouse score.
To achieve a Google Lighthouse score above 95, every aspect of performance matters. Minifying the files is integral to reducing file sizes and improving load times. Employ tools like UglifyJS and CSSNano to ensure efficient minification, maintaining a focus on Core Web Vitals and general performance.
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Before we proceed further, let's take a moment to compare two essential tools in the web performance toolkit: Google Lighthouse and PageSpeed Insights.
While both tools share some metrics, their scopes and use cases differ. Lighthouse is more comprehensive, providing a detailed analysis across various dimensions, making it a go-to choice for developers and site owners looking for a comprehensive performance audit. PageSpeed Insights, on the other hand, offers a quick snapshot and real-world data, making it useful for a rapid assessment of performance.
While optimizing server response time positively impacts overall performance, it is equally crucial for Core Web Vitals. By minimizing response times, you contribute to a swift user experience, particularly during the initial page load, ultimately improving your Google Lighthouse score.
As mobile devices continue to dominate user interactions, mobile responsiveness is non-negotiable. Ensure your website adapts seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes, aligning with Google's mobile-first indexing and positively impacting your Core Web Vitals and Google Lighthouse score.
Render-blocking resources can significantly impact visual stability (CLS). Addressing these issues enhances both Core Web Vitals and the overall Google Lighthouse Performance Score. Incorporate the provided points about script and CSS optimization to streamline the loading of styles and scripts, contributing to a higher Google Lighthouse score.
Optimizing your website for a perfect 100 Google Lighthouse Performance Score requires a holistic approach that considers both general performance aspects and specific Core Web Vitals. By incorporating the provided points for Total Blocking Time reduction and efficient script and CSS handling, you not only enhance the Lighthouse score but also contribute to an exceptional user experience.
Remember, achieving and maintaining a high Google Lighthouse Performance Score is an ongoing commitment to excellence. As technology evolves and user expectations rise, continue refining and optimizing your website to deliver a fast, responsive, and user-friendly experience. Your efforts will not only be reflected in search engine rankings but, more importantly, in the satisfaction of your audience. So, embark on this journey of optimization, and let your website shine with a perfect 100 Google Lighthouse Performance Score!
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