Building fast websites is crucial for online success. A website that loads quickly not only provides a better user experience but also increases the chances of higher search engine rankings, as site speed is a crucial factor in search engine algorithms. Here are some key points to optimise website speed.
Optimize Images
A website’s loading time might be severely slowed down by large, high-quality photos. Image file sizes should be optimised without sacrificing quality. Images may be compressed using a number of online applications, including TinyPNG, Optimizilla, and Kraken.io. WordPress users can try Smush.
Minimize HTTP Requests
HTTP requests are made by a website’s elements, such as its photos, CSS, and JavaScript files. A website loads increasingly slowly as the number of queries increases. Reduce the number of items on your site and consolidate files when you can to reduce HTTP requests.
Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
CDN helps to distribute your website to users based on their location. A CDN is a network of servers. You may shorten the distance between the server of your website and the browser by utilising a CDN. A popular CDN choice is CloudFlare.
Activate Caching
The browser stores static files, such as photos and CSS files, in a cache, when a user visits a website. The browser loads cache files the next time the user visits the website, eliminating the need for a fresh HTTP request. The loading speed can be greatly increased by enabling caching. Read more about it at caching docs.
Employ a Fast Web Hosting
The hosting company you select will have a big influence on how quickly your website loads. Choose a hosting company with servers close to your target market and quick loading times. The hosting package purchased has a direct impact on page loading speeds.
Optimize Code
WordPress users can use plugins such as W3 Total Cache to minify their website codes. Also, refrain from utilising JavaScript and CSS libraries that are not necessary for the operation of your website.
Reduce 3rd Party Content
Themes or plugins that require connection to external resources may slow down the site. Examples are APIs, Google Font Library, icon libraries, and integration with other types of external systems. Try to limit these items if possible.
Parallax Designs
Parallax effects sometimes may cause a substantial reduction in loading speed. The idea behind parallax design is to create an awesome landing page like this one, but with heavier overheads and therefore loading time. To mitigate this a more powerful hosting plan can be purchased, that offers higher resource limits.
Video Backgrounds
Similar in point to the parallax issue we just discussed. Video loading takes a heavy toll. It is fine if you are embedding an external video link such as from YouTube. But if the videos are streamed locally from your own hosting then it may have an effect on your website loading speed.
GZIP Compression
Gzip is a format that compresses HTTP content and helps to optimise website speed while decreasing bandwidth consumption. Here is a guide on how to optimise your site with gzip compression. You can use this tool to check if your current site is gZip enabled. Finally, you can also just contact your hosting provider and request them to help you set up gZip compression for your website.
Flat Colours vs Images
The flat design trend is fast loading because it uses color-blocking techniques. That means using solid color backgrounds, as opposed to using large background images. The choice highly depends on industry and branding, but it does have an impact on your website loading speed.
Diagnostic Tools
You can gauge loading speed by using your own connection. But this is hardly solid proof of anything. So use diagnostics. Granted these are also subjective but at least you’re getting different opinions. Testing your site with Google Page Speed is a must. You should also sign up with Google Webmaster Tools because there are lots of important diagnostics stuff there. Or you could use another tool like this one.
Plugin Overheads
Using more plugins may result in slower speed. But it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Because it’s not about the number of your plugins, it’s the quality that matters. Choosing a reputable plugin developer is important. You can have over 50 well-coded plugins with no problems, then add in one poorly-written plugin, and watch that page speed plummet.
Choose a Lightweight Theme
The theme you choose can significantly impact website loading times. Choose a lightweight theme that is optimized for speed and performance.
Reduce Redirects
Redirects can significantly slow down website loading times. Avoid using too many redirects and instead link to the final URL directly.
One Last Thing
Optimising website speed is not only essential for providing a better user experience but also for higher search engine rankings. And your total website speed is the sum of all parts. Try to find out the major bottlenecks first and work from there.