Improving Website Load Speed
For the average Internet user, reduced website speed may not mean much. However, search algorithms see it differently—a slow-loading website risks not making it into the top ten results in search rankings.
Experts agree that even if a site meets search engine requirements perfectly, slow page load times negatively impact its search ranking. You can order a fast-loading website from our specialists.
Why Website Load Speed Varies
The main factors that affect website load speed include:
- Cleanliness and volume of HTML code
- Quality and format of images
- Presence of video content on the website
- Number of requests from the browser
- JavaScript and CSS volume
- Number of plugins installed
- Hosting speed and server location
Each of these factors can be addressed. The question lies in how much time and resources are needed for improvement.
Acceptable Website Load Speeds
Website speed should be comfortable for users and acceptable for search engines.
- Under 2 seconds: Excellent.
- 3 seconds: Good.
- 4-7 seconds: Acceptable, but faster is better.
- 8-10 seconds: Needs optimization.
- Over 11 seconds: Critically slow, requiring immediate improvement.
For certain platforms like large e-commerce sites, 4-7 seconds is often tolerable for content rendering.
How to Check Website Speed
Several tools can help you check website speed:
PageSpeed Insights: Provides detailed information on page elements and offers recommendations for improvement. It’s free to use.
Pingdom Tools: Similar functionality but uses servers in Germany and the UK, so results may vary. It’s useful for international site optimization.
GTmetrix: Tracks speed and keeps a history of tests, making it easier to assess optimization efforts. Servers are based in Canada.
WebPageTest: Runs multiple checks based on specific geolocations to provide accurate results by repeating tests three times.
How to Improve Website Load Speed
If your website is loading slowly, you’ll need to adjust ranking metrics. GTRIX doesn’t recommend random adjustments; each change should be based on thorough analysis.
Technical Optimization
To improve website load speed, start with the server side. Optimize Nginx and Apache settings, work with hosting, and consider using a CDN to speed up JavaScript library loading. Our team at GTRIX has seen instances where website optimization alone doesn’t help, revealing that the problem lies with the server.
Database Optimization
If website development in Ukraine involved working on a large project, it is highly likely that a server capable of handling substantial traffic was utilized. To ensure the system operates smoothly, the programmer should dedicate time to configuring TCP settings. Additionally, transitioning to the updated HTTP/2 format positively impacts performance.
Regular updates to network subsystems are also crucial for increasing website loading speeds. These updates occur with each release of Linux.
Reducing Redirects
Using redirects on a website is standard practice, but overuse can negatively affect load speed. If redirects become excessive, remove them with tools like Screaming Frog.
Optimizing Asynchronous Loading
With HTML5, asynchronous loading enables elements to load simultaneously, unlike HTML4 where elements loaded one after another. Asynchronous loading is now an effective way to speed up websites. Loading JavaScript last prevents interference with visible elements on the page.
Removing Plugins and Reducing Page Size
Too many plugins create “junk” code, slowing down the website. Keep only essential plugins and extensions.
The size of the website depends on clean code, styles, images, videos, ads, and fonts used. Speed optimization often involves refining code and cleaning up content. Aim to optimize each page individually, as some may not require adjustments.
Compressing Images
Optimizing images by avoiding 4K formats or those over 1600 pixels can enhance load speed. In some cases, image compression is necessary.
If you’re unsure how to handle slow website loading, you can order this service from us. We operate in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine, and pricing is based on the project’s complexity and urgency.
