Not All Metrics Are Equally Important.
There are dozens of ways to measure website performance. Focusing on the metrics that impact user experience and business outcomes is what matters.
Core Web Vitals
Google measures three specific metrics. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measures loading performance, target under 2.5 seconds. First Input Delay (FID) measures interactivity, target under 100 milliseconds. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) measures visual stability, target under 0.1.
Time to First Byte (TTFB)
Measures server response time. A fast TTFB is the foundation of a fast site. Target under 800 milliseconds. Improve by optimizing hosting, using CDN, and caching.
First Contentful Paint (FCP)
When the first content appears on screen. Target under 1.8 seconds. Affected by server speed, render-blocking resources, and network conditions.
Business Metrics
Ultimately, performance affects conversion rates, bounce rates, and revenue. Track how performance changes correlate with business outcomes.
Improve the metrics that matter most to your users. A fast site is a competitive advantage.