How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) Issue on Wordpress

Imagine visiting a website, ready to click on a link, but just as you’re about to tap, the page shifts. Suddenly, you’re clicking something else, leaving you frustrated. This disruption is caused by Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), a common issue that impacts User Experience and search rankings alike. It can be annoying if you don’t know How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift on WordPress. 

In this blog, we'll explore How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift on WordPress, guiding you through practical steps to enhance your site's stability. By addressing CLS issues, you'll create a smoother, more enjoyable browsing experience for your visitors, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty. Let’s dive into the solutions. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is Cumulative Layout Shift and Why it Matters? 

2) What is a Good CLS Score? 

3) How Does CLS Impact User Experience on a WordPress Site? 

4) How to Find and Measure the Cumulative Layout Shift? 

5) What Affects Your CLS Score? 

6) How to Reduce Cumulative Layout Shift? 

7) How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift Issues in WordPress? 

8) Conclusion 

What is Cumulative Layout Shift and Why it Matters? 

Cumulative Layout Shift quantifies how much a page layout shifts during loading. Every time an element unexpectedly moves, it contributes to your CLS score. For example, if a user is about to click a button and it shifts position because an image loaded after the fact, that’s a poor User Experience. 

A high CLS score can frustrate users and lead to increased bounce rates. Websites with smooth, stable layouts foster trust and keep visitors engaged. As a result, focusing on minimising CLS can lead to better retention and higher conversion rates.
 

What is a Good CLS Score? 

A good CLS score is essential for ensuring a positive User Experience. According to Google: 

1) Good: CLS score of 0.1 or less 

2) Needs Improvement: CLS score between 0.1 and 0.25 

3) Poor: CLS score above 0.25 

Striving for a CLS score of 0.1 or lower should be your goal, as this range is considered optimal for User Experience. 

How Does CLS Impact User Experience on a WordPress Site? 

A poor CLS score can lead to several User Experience issues on your WordPress site. Let’s explore some of them below:
 

1) Frustration: Users can become annoyed when elements shift unexpectedly, causing them to miss buttons or links. 

2) Decreased Engagement: A site that is hard to navigate can lead to decreased user engagement and increased bounce rates. 

3) Lower SEO Rankings: Search engines priorities sites with good User Experience. High CLS scores can negatively impact your site’s search ranking. 

4) Negative Brand Perception: A poorly functioning website can tarnish your brand's reputation, making users question your professionalism. 

How to Find and Measure the Cumulative Layout Shift? 

Understanding how to find and measure Cumulative Layout Shift is essential for optimising your website's performance. By identifying areas where layout shifts occur, you can make informed decisions to enhance User Experience. In this section, we’ll explore effective tools and methods to assess your CLS score, empowering you to take the necessary steps toward a more stable and engaging website. 

1) With PageSpeed Insights 

One of the easiest ways to measure CLS is by using Google’s PageSpeed Insights. Simply enter your website URL, and it will provide a detailed report, including your CLS score. The tool evaluates your site’s performance across various devices, helping you identify specific elements causing layout shifts. 

2) On Search Console 

Google Search Console is another effective tool for monitoring CLS. Navigate to the Core Web Vitals report to see how your site performs. This report categorises your pages based on their performance, allowing you to pinpoint problematic areas. 

What Affects Your CLS Score? 

Understanding the factors that contribute to your CLS score can help you take appropriate action. Several factors can contribute to unexpected shifts in your layout, impacting how visitors interact with your site.  

By identifying these culprits, you can implement targeted strategies to reduce CLS and create a more stable browsing experience, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and engagement. Here are the primary culprits: 

1) Images and Videos Without Size Attributes 

When images and videos lack specified dimensions, they can load unexpectedly, causing surrounding content to shift. This unpredictability disrupts the layout and can frustrate users as they try to interact with the page. Always include width and height attributes in your media tags to ensure that browsers allocate the proper space before the content fully loads. 

2) Ads and Embeds Without Size Attributes 

Ads that load asynchronously can also cause layout shifts, particularly when their dimensions are not predefined. When an ad suddenly appears, it can push down other elements, disrupting the user’s flow. Make sure to reserve space for ads by defining their dimensions in advance, allowing the layout to remain stable even as ads load. 

3) Custom Fonts 

Custom fonts can contribute to layout shifts if they load slowly or are not correctly managed. This issue often results in a Flash of Invisible Text (FOIT) or a Flash of Unstyled Text (FOUT), negatively impacting the User Experience. 

To minimise this effect, ensure that your custom fonts are optimised and consider using “font-display: swap” in your CSS to render fallback fonts immediately while the custom fonts load. 

4) Dynamically Injected Content 

Content added dynamically via JavaScript can disrupt the page layout as it loads, leading to unexpected shifts. This often occurs with elements like comments, product listings, or pop-ups that are injected after the initial page load. 

Be cautious when injecting such elements and consider pre-allocating space for them or using animations that do not affect the surrounding layout to maintain a stable experience for users. 

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How to Reduce Cumulative Layout Shift? 

Reducing Cumulative Layout Shift is essential for enhancing User Experience and maintaining a smooth, stable website. By implementing effective strategies, you can minimise unexpected shifts that frustrate users and impact your site's performance. In this section, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to reduce CLS on your WordPress site, ensuring a seamless interaction for your visitors. 

1) Image Width and Height Attributes 

Always define the width and height of images in your HTML or CSS. This practice allows the browser to reserve the necessary space for the image before it fully loads, preventing content shifts that can disrupt the User Experience. By setting these attributes, you create a more predictable layout that enhances the overall stability of your webpage. 

2) FOUT/FOIT Web Font 

Consider using “font-display: swap:” in your CSS to manage custom font loading effectively. This approach allows the browser to render text immediately with a fallback font while the custom font loads in the background. By minimising the time users encounter invisible or unstyled text, you can significantly reduce layout shifts and improve the perceived performance of your site. 

3) Non-Specified Ads, Iframes, and Embeds Dimensions 

Setting explicit dimensions for ads, iframes, and embedded content is crucial for maintaining layout stability. When these elements lack defined sizes, they can load unpredictably, causing surrounding content to shift unexpectedly. By specifying dimensions, you ensure that the layout remains consistent, enhancing the User Experience as elements load smoothly without disrupting the page flow. 

4) Optimising Animations and Dynamic Content for Stability 

Utilise CSS transitions and animations that do not trigger layout changes to create engaging effects without impacting stability. By keeping animations separate from dynamic content, you can avoid shifts that occur when elements are added or modified on the page. This approach allows for a visually appealing experience while preserving the integrity of the layout, ensuring users can navigate your site without frustration. 

How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift Issues in WordPress? 

Now that you understand the causes and solutions, here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing CLS issues specifically in WordPress. 

Step 1: Detect Elements That Are Shifting 

Start by identifying which elements are causing layout shifts. Use tools like PageSpeed Insights or Google Search Console to pinpoint problematic areas. These tools provide valuable insights into your CLS score and highlight specific elements that need attention. 

Step 2: Disable Asynchronous CSS or Use Critical CSS 

Disabling asynchronous CSS can help ensure that your styles load before the page renders. This change allows for a more stable layout from the outset. Alternatively, consider using critical CSS to inline essential styles, reducing layout shifts and enhancing the perceived loading speed of your site. 

Step 3: Host Preloaded Local Fonts 

Host your fonts locally rather than relying on external sources. This approach can lead to faster loading times, as your site will not be dependent on third-party servers. By hosting fonts locally, you can reduce shifts caused by font loading and maintain a more consistent appearance. 

Step 4: Add Font-Display: Swap to Fonts 

Adding “font-display: swap” to your CSS for custom fonts can prevent invisible text and reduce layout shifts. This technique allows the browser to display fallback fonts immediately while your custom fonts load, enhancing the User Experience by minimising delays.

Step 5: Set Global Font to Mulish in Oxygen Builder 

If you’re using the Oxygen Builder, setting a global font like Mulish can help maintain consistency across your site. A consistent font choice ensures a cohesive look and feel, reducing the likelihood of layout shifts caused by varying font sizes or styles. 

Step 6: Set Image, Video, and Iframe Dimensions 

Ensure you specify dimensions for images, videos, and iframes. This practice helps the browser allocate the correct space before the content loads, preventing shifts as media elements are rendered. By explicitly defining dimensions, you create a more stable layout. 

Step 7: Use CSS Transform Property for Animations 

Instead of changing the layout, use the CSS transform property for animations. This method allows you to create smooth animations without impacting the layout, leading to a more engaging User Experience while avoiding unnecessary shifts. 

Step 8: Leave Space for Advertisements 

Reserve space for ads by setting fixed dimensions. This practice prevents surrounding content from shifting when ads load, ensuring a stable experience for users. By planning for ad placements, you can minimise disruptions and maintain layout integrity. 

Step 9: Install a Lightweight GDPR Plugin 

Some GDPR plugins can introduce layout shifts due to heavy scripts or dynamic elements. Look for lightweight options that don’t affect your site’s layout significantly. A streamlined GDPR solution can help maintain performance while ensuring compliance. 

Step 10: Hard Code Headers and Menus 

Consider hard coding your headers and menus instead of using dynamic scripts. This can reduce layout shifts caused by JavaScript loading and improve overall stability. By hard coding these elements, you can create a consistent navigation experience that enhances user satisfaction. 

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Conclusion 

Creating a flawless User Experience is essential for any successful website, and understanding How to Fix Cumulative Layout Shift on WordPress is a key part of that process. By implementing the strategies outlined in this blog, you can effectively minimise layout shifts, ensuring your site remains stable and visually appealing for visitors. Embrace these practices, and watch your site’s performance soar, ultimately leading to happier users and improved site rankings. 

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