Google has announced the development of a new Lighthouse feature designed to provide audit data tailored to your Content Management System (CMS). This new feature is called Platform Packs for Lighthouse and aims to enhance audit quality with CMS-specific tips. Google is currently seeking feedback on it.
What CMS Will Lighthouse Platform Packs Audit?
Lighthouse Platform Pack is still in development. Google’s goal is to eventually offer Platform Packs for all popular content management systems and JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular.
Lighthouse Platform Packs Audit for WordPress
WordPress will be the first CMS to receive a Platform Pack, although Google plans to extend this to other popular systems as well.
What Does Lighthouse Platform Pack Do?
The Chrome Lighthouse Platform will provide CMS-localized information. For example, audit information for a site might include tips on reducing render-blocking resources or serving appropriately sized images, with guidance specific to WordPress.
Example of Lighthouse Platform Pack for WordPress Solution:
"Consider reducing, or switching, the number of WordPress plugins loading unused CSS in your page. To identify plugins that are adding extraneous CSS, try running code coverage in Chrome DevTools. You can identify the theme/plugin responsible from the URL of the stylesheet. Look out for plugins that have many stylesheets in the list which have a lot of red in code coverage. A plugin should only enqueue a stylesheet if it is actually used on the page."
Google Asks for Community Feedback
Google is soliciting input from the SEO and development communities to help make this Lighthouse Audit a more effective tool.
According to the official announcement:
- We would love to hear any feedback you may have:
- Which platforms should we prioritize in the future after WordPress?
- Do you have a preference for how this feature will show up on your Lighthouse report?
- Any other suggestions?
How to Make Suggestions for WordPress Lighthouse Platform Pack
Google suggests three ways to offer feedback, requests, and improvements:
- Leave feedback or report issues on their GitHub page.
- Visit a second GitHub page designated for requests and suggestions.
- Use a Google Sheets page dedicated to suggestions.
View an Actual Lighthouse Platform Pack Audit
To see WordPress-specific advice, click on the items listed in the column labeled Opportunity in the report.
More Resources
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