How to fix layout shifts to improve SEO in Next.js apps

Google's core search algorithm now places greater emphasis on web performance, incorporating three key metrics—Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)—as part of its Web Vitals initiative to determine page rankings. The focus on CLS, which measures the stability of a webpage's layout as it loads, has led to discussions on minimizing layout shifts in Next.js applications. Common causes of layout shifts include ads, dynamically injected content, and images lacking dimensions. Solutions involve using placeholders for ads to prevent movement upon loading, implementing skeleton UIs for dynamic content, and defining aspect ratios for images to maintain stability in responsive designs. Next.js addresses these issues by requiring height and width properties for its Image component, while also offering strategies like the Layout component to manage page structures and prevent shifts. Employing strategies such as server-side styled-components can further reduce layout shifts, optimizing both SEO and user experience. Tools like LogRocket enhance debugging in Next.js apps by offering comprehensive monitoring and replay capabilities, making it easier to identify and resolve user experience issues.