What is CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift)?
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) is a Core Web Vitals metric that measures how much page content unexpectedly shifts position while loading.
At a Glance
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift)
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) is a Core Web Vitals metric that measures how much page content unexpectedly shifts position while loading.
Full Definition
Google scores CLS on a scale from 0 to 1, with a good score being under 0.1. Layout shifts happen when images load without defined dimensions, when third-party scripts inject banners after the page appears, or when web fonts swap and reflow surrounding text. Dealership websites are particularly prone to CLS because they typically load chat widgets, trade-in tools, payment calculators, and OEM price feeds as asynchronous scripts — all of which can push content down the page mid-load.
Why It Matters for Your Dealership
Layout shifts frustrate buyers who try to click a vehicle price or a CTA button, only to have it jump away. This increases bounce rates and signals poor page quality to Google, which reduces your rankings.
In Practice
Dealership websites are particularly prone to CLS because they typically load chat widgets, trade-in tools, payment calculators, and OEM price feeds as asynchronous scripts — all of which can push content down the page mid-load.
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