How can I improve the mobile score above 90 on Google audits for webflow, particularly addressing the issue of First Contentful Paint 3G timing?

To improve your mobile score above 90 on Google Audits in Webflow, especially targeting First Contentful Paint (FCP) on a simulated 3G network, you need to optimize how and when your content loads.

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1. Optimize and Compress Images

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• Use WebP format whenever possible to lower file sizes without losing quality.
• In Webflow, enable Image Optimization by using responsive images and letting Webflow auto-generate different sizes.
• Set proper image dimensions (width and height) to prevent layout shifts on load.
• Enable lazy loading by turning on the "Lazy load" setting (loading="lazy") for all offscreen or below-the-fold images.

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2. Minimize and Defer JavaScript

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• Remove unused JavaScript libraries or plugins from Page Settings > Custom Code under the Before </body> section.
• Place scripts at the end of the body to avoid blocking initial content rendering.
• Use Webflow’s built-in minification for the JavaScript (Go to Site Settings > Publishing > Enable Minify JavaScript).

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3. Use System Fonts or Font Loading Strategies

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• Avoid loading too many custom fonts or variants (weights/styles). Stick to system fonts for body text where possible.
• If using custom fonts, use font-display: swap via custom code or font providers like Google Fonts for faster FCP.
• Limit the number of different font families and weights to reduce CSS and font file size.

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4. Minimize Critical CSS and Reduce CLS

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• Use Webflow’s built-in minify CSS option (Site Settings > Publishing).
• Place more styling directly within Webflow's visual editor rather than loading from external stylesheets.
• Prevent layout shifts by:
• Setting fixed heights for embeds/images
• Using display: none instead of removing DOM elements

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5. Reduce Third-Party Scripts and Embeds

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• Remove external services (e.g., chat widgets, tracking pixels) from loading on the homepage or delay them.
• Use tools like Google Tag Manager to load third-party scripts after user interaction.
• For YouTube/Vimeo embeds, use a static image preview that loads the actual iframe only on click.

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6. Enable Webflow Hosting Performance Settings

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• Enable SSL and redirect HTTP to HTTPS for faster and secure loading (found in Site Settings > Hosting).
• Use the Webflow CDN by ensuring your domain points to the correct A records: (a) 75.2.70.75 and (b) 99.83.190.102 for optimal global delivery.

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7. Set a Strong Initial Viewport and Reduce DOM Size

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• Make sure the viewport meta tag is correctly set (Webflow does this by default).
• Try to avoid having too many nested elements. Simplify your structure where possible.
• Avoid complex interactions and animations above the fold for faster first render.

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8. Test With Realistic Conditions

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• Use Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools with Simulated Slow 3G and Mobile user-agent for consistent results.
• Target FCP under 2.5 seconds to pass Core Web Vitals.
• Constantly check using PageSpeed Insights and resolve new high-impact recommendations.

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Summary

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To push your mobile score above 90 and improve First Contentful Paint on Webflow, focus on image optimization, deferring non-critical JavaScript, minimizing CSS/fonts, limiting third-party scripts, and using lazy loading. These changes speed up the first visible content for mobile users, especially on slower networks.