8 Tips to Improve Website Speed

Time to First Byte (TTFB)

TTFB measures how quickly a page begins loading after a user requests it. A slow TTFB can indicate delays in retrieving resources from the server. To address this, website owners can optimize server response times and minimize any bottlenecks in data retrieval.

DNS Lookup Speed

DNS lookup speed gauges how swiftly a page’s Domain Name Service translates a domain name into an IP address. Slow DNS lookups can impact overall page load time. Website owners should assess their DNS provider’s response times and consider reconfiguring or replacing services if needed.

Time to Interactive (TTI)

TTI reflects how quickly a user can interact with a page (e.g., click buttons, fill forms). A slow TTI may frustrate users and hinder engagement. Optimizing JavaScript execution and minimizing render-blocking resources can improve TTI.

Now, let’s explore practical steps to enhance website speed.

1. Optimize Images

• Images often contribute significantly to load times due to their larger file sizes.
• Image optimization involves reducing resolution, dimensions, and compressing image files.
• Use modern image formats (like WebP) and lazy loading techniques to load images only when needed.

2. Limit HTTP Requests

• Webpages require multiple HTTP requests for assets (images, scripts, CSS files).
• Each request involves a round trip to and from the server, impacting load time.
• Minimize the number of assets per page. Combine CSS and JavaScript files, use sprites, and consider asynchronous loading.

3. Use Browser HTTP Caching

• The browser cache temporarily stores copies of static files from visited webpages, allowing quicker loading upon subsequent visits.
• Developers can instruct browsers to cache elements that won’t change frequently.
• By adding caching instructions in HTTP response headers, the server reduces data transfer to the browser, benefiting users who frequently access specific pages.

4. Remove Unnecessary Render-Blocking JavaScript

• Some webpages load unnecessary code before critical content, slowing overall load times and decrease website speed.
• Large websites with multiple contributors often suffer from this issue.
• Website speed tools can identify and help eliminate unnecessary code on poorly performing pages.

5. Limit External Scripts

• Elements like external commenting systems, CTA buttons, CMS plugins, or lead-generation popups are loaded from external sources.
• These scripts can slow down a webpage or cause incomplete loading (resulting in content jumping or layout shifting).
• Prioritize essential scripts and minimize external dependencies.

6. Manage Redirects

• Redirects occur when visitors are forwarded from one webpage to another.
• While sometimes necessary, redirects add fractions of a second (or more) to load times.
• Clear guidelines on redirect usage and periodic scans for unnecessary redirects are crucial, especially for larger websites with multiple owners.

7. Minify CSS and JavaScript Files

• Minification involves removing unnecessary elements from code (such as comments, whitespace, and extra semicolons).
• Smaller CSS and JavaScript files load faster in browsers, reducing bandwidth usage.
• Although the performance gains are often marginal, minification remains an important best practice.

8. Effective Third-Party Services

• Hosting: Choose a server with an average response time under 200ms and a reliable track record.
• DNS: Opt for DNS services that deliver quick and reliable results, rather than relying solely on your web host’s DNS.
• Caching: Utilize a content delivery network (CDN) to cache web content globally. This minimizes the distance user requests need to travel to reach the origin server.
• Cybersecurity: Protect against DDoS attacks and malicious bots without compromising legitimate traffic. Select a robust web application security provider.