6. Debug Mode Has to Be Turned Off

There are a few debugging tools that have been built on WordPress. These tools help generate useful messages to developers. The most vital tool is WP_DEBUG in your WordPress install.

However, on a site that is online, the debug mode should not be turned on because it can expose a lot of information about your site to visitors, and it is, therefore, a security risk. That is why WordPress will ding your Site Health Score if your debug mode is still turned on.

The debug mode can be configured by finding this line in your wp-config.php file:

Define (‘WP_DEBUG’, true);

To switch it off, you can either change True to False, or you can delete the entire line.

7. Make Use of HTTPS and Install SSL Certificates

HTTPS or Secure HTTP is a form of encryption that secures the connection between your server and the app browser of anyone utilizing your website. It also gives you that trust-building green padlock in web browsers.

Also, all non-HTTPS pages will be marked as “not secure” by Google Chrome. To dodge this, and increase your Site Health Score, you will get an SSL certificate installed and your site has to be migrated to HTTPS.

Many hosts now give free SSL certificates through “Let’s Encrypt”, which allows you to install with only a few clicks, or you can discover other free and cheap SSL certificates.

8. REST API Must Be Left Enabled

The WP REST API assists your WordPress core in connecting with the different web, desktop, and mobile apps that are connected to the internet. This enables WordPress to work efficiently as a content management system, storing and serving up content that will be seen on the internet.

The WP REST API is enabled by default, but plugins like the security plugins, for example, would be disabled by developers.

However, to get a perfect WordPress Site Health Score, you’ll need to enable the WP REST API and leave it that way. Most plugins and tools that disable the REST API will also give you the option to leave it enabled.