Understanding Site Health & Performance Metrics

Learn how to interpret your WordPress site's health metrics and performance scores to maintain optimal site functionality.

WordPress Health Metrics

Site Health Score

A percentage-based score (0-100%) measuring overall site health:

  • 90-100%: Excellent site health
  • 70-89%: Good health with minor issues
  • Below 70%: Needs attention

Health Status Levels

  • Good: System is operating optimally
  • Should be improved: Non-critical issues need attention
  • Critical: Urgent issues requiring immediate action
The health score is a key indicator of your site's overall maintenance status. Aim to keep all sites above 80%.

Critical Issues

What Counts as Critical?

  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Outdated WordPress core
  • PHP version conflicts
  • Database issues
  • Server configuration problems

Impact Levels

Each critical issue is categorized by:

  • Security risk
  • Performance impact
  • Functionality effects
  • User experience
Critical issues should be addressed immediately as they may affect site security or functionality.

Performance Metrics Explained

Core Web Vitals

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

Measures loading performance

  • Good: Under 2.5 seconds
  • Needs Improvement: 2.5 - 4 seconds
  • Poor: Over 4 seconds

First Contentful Paint (FCP)

Time until first content appears

  • Good: Under 1.8 seconds
  • Needs Improvement: 1.8 - 3 seconds
  • Poor: Over 3 seconds

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

Measures visual stability

  • Good: Under 0.1
  • Needs Improvement: 0.1 - 0.25
  • Poor: Over 0.25

Time to Interactive (TTI)

When the page becomes fully interactive

  • Good: Under 3.8 seconds
  • Needs Improvement: 3.8 - 7.3 seconds
  • Poor: Over 7.3 seconds

Total Blocking Time (TBT)

Measures load responsiveness

  • Good: Under 200ms
  • Needs Improvement: 200-600ms
  • Poor: Over 600ms
These metrics directly impact user experience and search engine rankings.

Key Performance Categories

Performance Score

Overall speed and responsiveness

  • Based on Core Web Vitals
  • Weighted average of multiple metrics
  • Critical for user experience

Accessibility Score

How well your site works for all users:

  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Color contrast
  • Text scaling

Best Practices

Adherence to web development standards:

  • HTTPS usage
  • JavaScript errors
  • Image aspects
  • Deprecated APIs

SEO Score

Search engine optimization factors:

  • Meta descriptions
  • Crawlability
  • Mobile friendliness
  • Structured data

Common Warning Messages

Plugin Updates

  • "Update Available": New version ready
  • "Update Failed": Installation error
  • "Compatibility Warning": Potential conflicts
  • "License Required": Premium plugin update needed

Core Updates

  • "Major Update Available": New WordPress version
  • "Security Update Required": Critical patch needed
  • "Automatic Update Failed": Manual update required

PHP Warnings

  • "PHP Version Outdated": Update recommended
  • "PHP Memory Limit": Resource constraints
  • "PHP Extensions Missing": Required functionality unavailable

Best Practices

Regular Monitoring

  • Check health scores weekly
  • Address critical issues immediately
  • Track performance trends
  • Document recurring issues

Performance Optimization

  • Target all Core Web Vitals
  • Prioritize mobile performance
  • Regular speed testing
  • Optimize based on scores

Maintenance Schedule

  • Monthly performance reviews
  • Quarterly health audits
  • Regular backup verification
  • Security scans
Use the performance history in the Timeline view to track the impact of your optimizations over time.
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