A fast website is essential for conversions. A one-second delay in page load time reduces conversions by 7%. Website speed is a confirmed Google ranking factor.
Why Is Website Speed Important for SEO?
Google’s Core Web Vitals measure website performance. Sites with poor speed scores get lower rankings. Faster sites have better user engagement, lower bounce rates, and higher dwell time. Amazon found that 100ms of delay costs 1% in sales.
How Can I Check My Website Speed?
Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site. GTmetrix provides waterfall charts to identify slow-loading resources. Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools offers real-time performance insights.
How Do I Reduce My Site’s Load Time?
Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files to reduce file size. Compress images without losing quality using tools like TinyPNG. Enable browser caching to store files locally. Use a content delivery network (CDN) to serve content faster to global users. Lazy-load images to avoid rendering everything at once.
What Is a CDN and How Does It Help?
A content delivery network (CDN) distributes your content across multiple servers worldwide. It reduces latency by serving content from the nearest location. CDNs also absorb traffic spikes, improving site reliability.
Does Hosting Affect Website Speed?
Yes, your hosting provider affects site performance. Shared hosting can slow down your site during high-traffic periods. Use managed hosting or dedicated servers for better speed. Look for SSD storage and high server uptime.
How Do I Optimise Images for Speed?
Images make up 21% of an average page’s total weight. Use modern formats like WebP for smaller file sizes. Set proper dimensions to avoid layout shifts. Compress images before uploading to your CMS.
Can Plugins Slow Down My Website?
Yes, plugins can add overhead and slow your site. Use only essential plugins. Regularly audit your plugin list and remove unused ones. Keep plugins updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
How Do I Measure the Impact of Speed Optimisation?
Monitor site speed using Google Analytics Site Speed reports. Use PageSpeed Insights to track scores before and after changes. A/B test different speed improvements to measure conversion rate impacts.
Optimising your site for speed is essential for SEO and conversions. Use CDNs, compress images, and choose fast hosting. Monitor performance regularly and remove unnecessary plugins. A fast site improves user experience and drives revenue.