Websites are the 24/7 marketing engines for most businesses worldwide. Whether you have ecommerce capabilities, online booking and payment options, or a simple newsletter that engages your target readers, if your web presence is giving you the conversions you had planned, great! If not, here is a time-tested list of 13 website performance metrics that will give you quick analyses of your website’s current performance and will shed light on areas that need improvements. Let’s start!
1. Page Load Time
Page Load Time measures the duration it takes for a web page to fully load and be ready for user interaction from the moment the request is initiated.
Formula
Page Load Time = Time when page fully loads – Time when page request is made
A fast page load time enhances user experience, reduces bounce rates and increases the likelihood of user engagement. Load time metric should be low to indicate the speed – if the metric is high, especially if it crosses 0.3 seconds, then I would recommend you hire affordable web developers in Dubai, get a quick audit, and check the technical optimization areas to improve.
2. Time to First Byte (TTFB)
Time to First Byte measures the time it takes for the browser to receive the first byte of information from the server after a request is made.
Formula
TTFB = Time when the first byte is received from the server – Time when the request is made
TTFB is a key indicator of server responsiveness and can impact overall page load times. Optimizing TTFB can improve user experience and search engine rankings.
3. Bounce Rate
Bounce Rate measures the percentage of visitors who navigate away from the site after viewing only one page.
Formula
Bounce Rate = (Number of single-page visits / Total number of visits) * 100%
A high bounce rate can indicate issues with site content, user experience, or page relevance. Reducing bounce rate is essential for increasing user engagement and conversion rates.
4. Average Session Duration
Average Session Duration measures the average amount of time users spend on the website during a single session.
Formula
Average Session Duration = Total duration of all sessions / Number of sessions
Longer session durations typically indicate higher user engagement and interest in the site content. It helps in understanding user behavior and the effectiveness of content strategies.
5. Pages Per Session
Pages Per Session measures the average number of pages viewed during a single session on the website.
Formula
Pages Per Session = Total number of page views / Number of sessions
Higher pages per session indicate that users are finding the site content valuable and are exploring multiple pages. It’s a good metric for assessing the depth of user engagement.
6. Conversion Rate
Conversion Rate measures the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or signing up for a newsletter.
Formula
Conversion Rate = (Number of conversions / Total number of visitors) * 100%
A high conversion rate indicates that the website effectively encourages users to take desired actions. It’s crucial for evaluating the success of marketing efforts and user experience.
7. Error Rate
Error Rate measures the percentage of web requests that result in an error, such as 404 errors or server errors.
Formula
Error Rate = (Number of failed requests / Total number of requests) * 100%
A low error rate is essential for maintaining a positive user experience and ensuring that users can access the site content without issues. High error rates can lead to frustration and decreased user trust.
8. First Contentful Paint (FCP)
First Contentful Paint measures the time it takes for the first piece of content to be rendered on the screen after a user navigates to a web page.
Formula
FCP = Time when the first text or image is painted – Time when the page request is made
FCP is an important metric for perceived load speed, affecting users’ initial impression of the site’s performance. Faster FCP can improve user satisfaction and reduce bounce rates.
9. Time to Interactive (TTI)
Time to Interactive measures the time it takes for a web page to become fully interactive, meaning users can click buttons, scroll, and interact with content.
Formula
TTI = Time when the page becomes fully interactive – Time when the page request is made
A faster TTI ensures that users can start engaging with the page content quickly, enhancing the overall user experience. It’s critical for retaining users and reducing frustration.
10. Mobile Performance Score
Mobile Performance Score evaluates how well a website performs on mobile devices and you can get this service from one of the best mobile app development company in dubai while considering factors like load time, interactivity, and visual stability.
Formula
We don’t need a formula – you can just ask your web developers in Dubai to check these from Page Speed Insights – the official core web vitals tool from Google.
Optimizing for mobile performance is important as a significant portion of web traffic comes from mobile devices. A high mobile performance score ensures a smooth user experience across all devices.
11. Scroll Depth
Scroll Depth measures how far users scroll down a web page, indicating how much content they engage with.
Formula
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Understanding scroll depth helps in assessing content engagement and identifying where users lose interest. It can guide improvements in content placement and layout.
12. Form Submission Rate
Form Submission Rate measures the percentage of users who successfully complete and submit a form on the website.
Formula
Form Submission Rate = (Number of successful form submissions / Total number of form views) * 100%
High form submission rates indicate that forms are user-friendly and relevant. It’s crucial for lead generation, user engagement, and conversion optimization.
13. Time on Page
Time on Page measures the average amount of time users spend on a specific page.
Formula
Time on Page = Sum of time spent on a page by all users / Total number of page views
Longer time on page suggests that users find the content valuable and engaging. It helps in assessing content effectiveness and user interest.
