The performance of a website relies on two components which include your internet speed and the system choices adopted by the website developers. A fast website functions as a well-organized kitchen while a slow website provides visitors with digital clutter which disrupts their ability to navigate through the site.
Image Optimization
The website displays images which serve as the main content that takes up the majority of space on the webpage. Fast sites utilize modern image formats which include WebP to create visually appealing images that occupy minimal storage space. Slow websites need to display high-quality pictures which require their actual picture files to load at dimensions that exceed their required proportions.
The Quality of the “Host”
Every website exists on a physical server which operates from a specific location. The most advanced websites use dedicated hosting which functions like a private road. The slower performance of budget websites results from their use of shared hosting which causes them to share server resources with thousands of other websites that operate on the same server.
Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
Web page loading speed depends on the fundamental laws of nature. The server from New York needs to send data across the ocean because you are located in London. Fast sites utilize a CDN which enables them to create multiple website copies that are distributed across worldwide servers. This enables users to receive data from the server that is closest to their location.
Browser Caching
Fast websites allow your browser to save certain website elements which include the logo and font for later use. Your phone handles the downloading task by accessing its stored memory which enables immediate site access during your second visit.
Too Many “Plug-ins”
WordPress serves as the foundation for numerous websites which developers use to construct their online platforms. The system must process extra code elements which result from each new feature that a plug-in introduces. A site with 50 plug-ins will almost always crawl compared to a “lean” site.
Clean vs. “Messy” Code
Code functions as a set of directions which you need to follow. The most effective websites need users to see HTML/CSS code which explains their navigation path between different website sections. Slower websites contain bulky code that includes unnecessary lines and spaces which the browser needs to process before displaying the page to users.
The Order of Loading
Smart websites use a trick called “Lazy Loading.” The system loads only the visible part of the webpage which users currently examine. The bottom section of the page contains images and videos which will begin to download only when you scroll down to view them.
Redirect “Chains”
Web navigation sometimes creates situations where clicking a link redirects to one address which then sends users to another address and so on. Each redirection process introduces a brief pause for users who must wait for their system to transmit data. Fast sites maintain direct links which they keep updated.
Ad Heavy Content
The slowest page elements on websites are caused by ads which require a connection to another server for their ad selection process. Sites that display pop-up windows and play videos automatically will always provide a more sluggish experience than sites that maintain a clean design.
External Scripts
Many sites load “extras” from other companies, like Google Analytics or Facebook tracking pixels. External companies that encounter technical difficulties will result in a complete shutdown of all websites that depend on their services.
