Understanding server response time (TTFB)

TTFB — 'time to first byte' — measures how long it takes your server to start responding after a visitor requests a page. It's the very first step of loading, and a slow one delays everything after it.

Why it matters

• •A slow TTFB delays the whole page, no matter how optimized the rest is.
• •It affects Core Web Vitals and perceived speed.
• •It's often caused by slow hosting or unoptimized back-ends.

How to improve it

Fast hosting, caching, and a CDN are the biggest levers. A well-built, well-hosted site keeps TTFB low so pages start appearing almost instantly — one of the quiet foundations of a fast experience.