When evaluating SEO tactics (search engine optimization) it is important to balance the technical part of understanding how search engines work for people who use search engines as tools to find what they are looking for.
When we think of site optimization, we usually refer to how the content of a page and on-page metadata can affect the performance of the site. But another key component to the success of performing an SEO campaign is the loading time of the site or the speed of the page.
In the following list, we have listed down some important factors related to site speed:
In a world where fast internet connections and high download speeds have become the norm, users are accustomed to fast-loading web pages. When was the last time you had to wait for more than a few seconds to load a page? What did you do? Well, more and more internet users are no longer waiting, but moving on.
Google and other search engines recognize that speed is a relevant quality for those who search the internet. Therefore, a slow page loading speed, which blocks search engine crawlers from dissecting the content of a website, only works against the overall rank of the page. The explanation is simple: the goal of search engines is to quickly provide users with the most relevant content. The page load speed contributes to the relevance of the site, because the users who search expect content to load quickly.
Well, as with most SEO topics, things can get complicated pretty quickly. But beyond all the technical talk about the best programming languages and coding tricks, here are six effective practices you can easily implement to start improving your site speed.
You can use either the main editor on your computer or another free tool to change the image and pixel compression rate to the approximate size you need for the site. It is important to understand that using the HTML editor to adjust the image width from 1,000 pixels to 300 pixels changes only the appearance of the screen. When the page loads, the browser must load all the complete image data, which is three times the size of what you see on the screen.
If you're using a content management system (CMS), you're probably using a responsive design template, which is a good thing. Not only do users want a perfect desktop and mobile experience when switching from one device to another, but they expect to have it, and will be disappointed if they receive the opposite of what they were expecting.
JPEG files: For most images, JPEG - which is a compressed format supported by all browsers - is the correct file format. Photos and graphics should be JPEG image files format.
PNG files: For simple graphics, such as call-to-action (CTA) buttons or areas where transparency is required, you can use the PNG format. Be careful, though, because PNG files can become quite large if used incorrectly. A PNG similar to a JPEG can be ten times the size sometimes.
Some social media site plugins can be a real hassle for site administrators, and they can also reduce the speed at which a page loads. Avoiding these plugins limits the ability to share your site content on social networks, which will limit your chances of benefiting from valuable social media signals, which have a positive effect on your strategy of SEO.
When we think of site optimization, we usually refer to how the content of a page and on-page metadata can affect the performance of the site. But another key component to the success of performing an SEO campaign is the loading time of the site or the speed of the page.
In the following list, we have listed down some important factors related to site speed:
- The loading experience of the site influences the user experience.
- Search engines evaluate the speed of the site to determine the position in the list of search results.
- Best site speed optimization practices lead to better ranking.
- Some free tools can help you test, monitor and optimize your site's SEO speed.
The Impact of Page Speed on SEO
We live in a fast-paced, speed-obsessed world - especially online, and especially when it comes to finding what we're looking for.In a world where fast internet connections and high download speeds have become the norm, users are accustomed to fast-loading web pages. When was the last time you had to wait for more than a few seconds to load a page? What did you do? Well, more and more internet users are no longer waiting, but moving on.
Google and other search engines recognize that speed is a relevant quality for those who search the internet. Therefore, a slow page loading speed, which blocks search engine crawlers from dissecting the content of a website, only works against the overall rank of the page. The explanation is simple: the goal of search engines is to quickly provide users with the most relevant content. The page load speed contributes to the relevance of the site, because the users who search expect content to load quickly.
Best Practices for Improving Site Speed
Once you understand the importance of page speed, you'll probably be wondering if there are any easy ways to improve speed of your site.Well, as with most SEO topics, things can get complicated pretty quickly. But beyond all the technical talk about the best programming languages and coding tricks, here are six effective practices you can easily implement to start improving your site speed.
1. Optimize Image Sizes
Images are the biggest culprit for slowing down page load speed. Large, high-resolution images are ideal for printing but not for the web. Before uploading an excellent new image to the site, first make sure that you optimize it for web use.You can use either the main editor on your computer or another free tool to change the image and pixel compression rate to the approximate size you need for the site. It is important to understand that using the HTML editor to adjust the image width from 1,000 pixels to 300 pixels changes only the appearance of the screen. When the page loads, the browser must load all the complete image data, which is three times the size of what you see on the screen.
If you're using a content management system (CMS), you're probably using a responsive design template, which is a good thing. Not only do users want a perfect desktop and mobile experience when switching from one device to another, but they expect to have it, and will be disappointed if they receive the opposite of what they were expecting.
2. Use the Correct Image File Formats
Beyond optimizing images in terms of size, it is essential to use appropriate file formats for different uses in the online environment:JPEG files: For most images, JPEG - which is a compressed format supported by all browsers - is the correct file format. Photos and graphics should be JPEG image files format.
PNG files: For simple graphics, such as call-to-action (CTA) buttons or areas where transparency is required, you can use the PNG format. Be careful, though, because PNG files can become quite large if used incorrectly. A PNG similar to a JPEG can be ten times the size sometimes.
3. Avoid Text as Graphics
In rare cases, you will probably need to rely on custom graphics to display a stylized, specific text. The more CSS you use to display certain fonts, the faster your site pages will load. Text graphics are less valuable in terms of SEO than the actual text on the page. So, if you really need to use text graphics, don't forget to include alternative text for SEO.4. Do Not use Plugins and Scripts Excessively
Site plugins are great for adding features, especially when they are free. But if you crowd too much on one page - for example, on the blog - they can drastically limit the page load speed.5. Slow-loading Images in the Second Half of the Page
Slow-loading images allow the rest of the items on the page to load before all images are loaded. This way, site visitors will read your content faster. This is a great option, but don't forget that only the images in the second half of the page need to be loaded this way. Otherwise, items such as page headers will appear at the same time as users read, altering the content of the page, disrupting engagement, and creating an unpleasant user experience.6. Minimize JavaScript and CSS
Many site building platforms, such as HubSpot, automatically shrink JavaScript and CSS files to reduce their size.Some social media site plugins can be a real hassle for site administrators, and they can also reduce the speed at which a page loads. Avoiding these plugins limits the ability to share your site content on social networks, which will limit your chances of benefiting from valuable social media signals, which have a positive effect on your strategy of SEO.
It is suggested to use JavaScript and CSS in limited quantity so that your site can be presentable for your visitors but at the same time provide a good user experience by loading faster that competitor sites.
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