Some factors that will help you measure loading speed are:
Standard load time: Look at how long it takes sites similar to yours to load. This gives you a benchmark of what users consider acceptable and helps you set a standard. For example, a load time of more than five seconds is often considered excessive and results in a loss of 90% of website visitors (Source: mediactiu )
Device diversity: Visitors use a variety of devices, from mobile devices to desktop computers. Make sure your site loads efficiently on all of them.
Adapting devices to improve the loading speed of a website
File size: The size of your files, such as images and videos, affects upload speed. Some newer devices process them faster, but older models may experience delays.
Instant Media: Optimize your media assets to play instantly, without requiring additional links. This improves the user experience.
Target audience geographic location: Know the internet connection speed standards in your audience's geographic location. This will help you tailor your upload saudi arabia b2b leads speed to your audience's needs.
Server and hosting location: The distance between your servers and your end users can affect loading speed. Consider this strategic placement to improve efficiency.
2. How can I improve the loading speed of a website?
2.1. Evaluate the current speed
The first step to improving your loading speed is to know where you're starting from. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to assess your website's current speed. These tools provide data on page load time, performance score, mobile-friendly score, number of server requests, and total page size.
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2.2. Optimize images
Poorly optimized, high-resolution images can have a significant impact on your website speed. That’s why image optimization is essential to ensure a fast and smooth user experience.
Read on to discover best practices:
2.2.1. Compress images
Use online tools like TinyPNG , Website Planet , or image editing software like GIMP that offer compression features. Upload your images, choose the appropriate compression level, and download the optimized images. Then, replace the original images on your website with the compressed versions.
2.2.2. Use the appropriate format
Depending on the type of image you're using, you'll need to choose the most suitable format. For example, the JPEG format is ideal for photographs, as it provides high image quality with relatively small file sizes. The PNG format, however, is appropriate for graphics with transparency, such as logos or illustrations with fine detail.
Additionally, the WebP format has gained popularity due to its ability to deliver high image quality with smaller file sizes than JPEG and PNG.
To decide which to use, consider the type of image you're using and strike a balance between quality and file size. By using the right format, your images will load faster and look sharp on all devices.
2.2.3. Use responsive images
Nowadays, most people access websites from a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Each of these devices has different screen sizes and resolutions. To ensure fast loading on all of them, it is essential to implement responsive images that automatically adjust to the user’s screen size.
2.3. Minimize the use of plugins
Third-party plugins can be valuable tools for improving the functionality and appearance of your website, but they can also have a significant impact on page performance.
For this reason, it’s critical to make sure that every plugin you add to your website is essential for your needs. Before installing a new one, consider whether you can achieve the same functionality with the native features of your website building platform, or whether there are more lightweight alternatives available.
Additionally, if you have plugins that you are not using regularly or that are having a negative influence on your page speed, consider deactivating them or removing them altogether. It is also advisable to check if there are lighter versions of those same plugins.
Plugins to improve the loading speed of a website
To help you identify common examples of unnecessary plugins, here are a few that could be slowing down your site:
Social Media Widgets: While social sharing buttons are useful, most social networks provide code that you can add directly to your site without the need for an additional plugin.
Comment Plugins: Many websites use third-party comment plugins, but website building platforms' native comment systems are often just as effective and don't require additional plugins.
Visitor statistics plugins: If you are using a platform like Google Analytics, it is generally more efficient to insert the tracking code directly into your website rather than relying on a plugin to do the same thing.
External Font Plugins: Plugins that load custom fonts or external icon libraries can increase loading time. Consider loading these fonts directly from your server or using lighter options.
Finally, keep in mind that some plugins may contain vulnerabilities that compromise the security of your website. Make sure to use plugins from trusted sources and always keep them updated to mitigate potential risks.
