Website speed matters a lot! Any site which takes longer than 3 seconds to load is a big no-no for the users. Clearly, every second count! There are numerous factors that influence the time taken to load the site. Before you start working on the website speed, it is important to consider where you want it to be. A fast site helps you get better results both from Google and the visitors. Therefore, it must be on your priority list.
Today, we will discuss a few steps that will not only
help to increase your website speed but also enhance user experience. Let’s get started!
Minimize HTTP requests
Usually, the most time spent on a web page is in downloading the images, scripts, and stylesheets. The HTTP request is made for these elements and this further means more components, the longer it will take for the page to render.
The first step to minimize these requests is to first figure how your website is working currently. There are various tools readily available which can help you check how many HTTP requests your website is making. You can use these tools to configure the page and further reduce the number of requests to speed up your site.
Combining and minifying files
Once you get to know the number of requests your site, you need to look for ways to reduce that number. CSS, HTML, JavaScript files are a great way to start with. These files help to determine your website's appearance which makes them really important. These also add to the number of requests on your site, but you can reduce this number by reducing the size of each file.
Reduce server response time
Well, the server response time is the time taken by the web server to respond back to the request from the browser. The four major factors that affect the server response time are:
- It is better to use resources, as it will help you improve the server response time.
- Reduce website traffic.
- Improve the scope of web hosting and quality.
- Change the web server configuration and software.
Enable browser caching
Cache memory is nothing but a temporary storage area. When you visit a website, you need to download pages like - HTML documents, JavaScript files, style sheets, and more. Usually, during the first visit, all these elements get stored in the hard drive of the cache. So, the next time when the user visits the browser, then it will not send a request to the cache memory. Only a few components need to be downloaded, rest the subsequent visits will provide with instant response and better performance.
Optimize images
Yes, that’s true! By using the right size images, you can actually reduce the page load time. To optimize the images we need to focus on the following things:
Image format: It is best to use JPEG format images. You can use animated images and small graphics for the GIF. One should avoid using TIF or BMP images on web pages.
Image size: Large size images take time to load, therefore, it is best to use small images so that you get a better display. There are various image editing tools which can help to correctly edit the picture to provide you with the best results.
Src attributes: Once you fix the image format and size, all we need to do is to ensure that the code is good. You need to avoid src code as it may lead to unnecessary traffic to your site.
Resize the images on your site will not only enhance the user experience but also help in improving the site performance.
Do a plugin purge
Well, there are a huge number of plugins available for free which may seem tempting to the website owner. And, they may use it more than they truly need on their website. You need to keep in mind, the plugins you use require a resource to function, and adding more resource will make the site slow.
So, if you think your website is running slow, perform a plugin review. Go through the list, and find the plugins affecting your website functioning. Go ahead and get rid of the unnecessary ones. Disable every plugin from the site using any tool and then check its speed. You will surely witness the improved speed of your site.
Optimize CSS delivery
CSS keeps up with the style requirements of the web pages and enhance their overall presentation. One can easily access the file in two ways - Incline CSS files and External CSS files. The files which are headed out of the HTML code are the external CSS files and the ones which are integrated inside the HTML code are known as the incline CSS files.
Well, putting the stylesheets in the document head will prohibit the progressive rendering, so the browsers will block to avoid the redraw elements on the page. Usually, the users face white page until it is loaded completely. Now, this will make the standard page according to the W3 standards.
Prioritize the above-the-fold content
Yes, it is really important to prioritize above-fold-content. This gives the website a boost and helps in easy loading of the files. Whenever the user will visit your website the images will open instantly and the data can easily be redirected. The user will definitely have enhanced user experience and achieve maximum user satisfaction.
Upgrade your web hostings
When you begin using the website, most of us look for the cheapest option. Yes, that usually works for a new website but one the website starts building visibility and traffic. And, once it gets increased visibility, it is really important to upgrade the web hostings. Otherwise, you will definitely face performance issues and may end up getting the slow speed of the website.
So, make sure you keep updating the web hosting provider and enhance the smooth functioning of the website.
Although there are a number of techniques to boost the website speed, these are some of the easiest to implement. Remember every second count and a fast website attracts more visitors.
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