Speed
Server response time
Why it matters
Server response time (time to first byte) is the wait before anything can load. A slow server delays every metric, including Largest Contentful Paint.
How to fix it
- Enable page caching and a CDN.
- Upgrade slow hosting or optimise database queries.
- Aim for a response under about 600 ms.
Check it with
- Server Response Time (TTFB) Test – Measure DNS, connection, TLS and time to first byte over three requests.
- Page Speed Test – Lighthouse performance score, lab metrics and real-user Core Web Vitals for any page.
Scoring: a passed check earns its full weight, a warning half and an error none. How the SEO score works