If the notion of page speed conjures ideas really complicated technology in your head, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Page speed is and always has been integral to search engine optimization (SEO), which means that understanding the basics is definitely worth the effort. You get that web pages are loaded, and if you also get that the ones that load more quickly are awarded bonus points, you’re ahead of the game. Things get more complicated from here, but the experienced digital marketing professionals at The Web Guys can help you get your site get to where it needs to be.
Put simply, your page’s Document Object Model (DOM) represents a technologically specific means for allowing all those programming languages out there to connect with your page. When a searcher punches in your website’s details, that internet explorer elicits a domain name system (DNS) request that leads said searcher to your domain name’s provider. This ultimately sends the server in question to the location of your files – where the magic begins. Rarely, however, is this the end of the story. Usually, your site’s DOM will require more nuanced input from your server in order to bring up your site, and this is often where page delays are born.
Unfortunately, sometimes the most beautifully-designed and informative sites load the slowest. In many cases, the things that make these sites so visually attractive are exactly why they have poor load times. Some of the things that can slow a site down include:
Fortunately, there are ways to tweak even the most graphics-intensive sites that allow them to load more quickly, and you should never assume your website is just too “busy” to load fast. If your website suffers from poor load times, you should certainly discuss it with a digital marketing professional.
Google rewards sites that provide a pleasant user experience (UX), of which page load speed is a part. Typically, good load speed is two or three seconds, but less is always more. It must be noted that guidance is relative – if your closest competitor’s page speed has you beat by a full second, it’s time to rethink your game plan. While you know better than to compare yourself to others in the personal realm, when it comes to your online presence, shying away from comparisons doesn’t do your business a whole lot of good.
Things get real with the Chrome User Experience Report, which provides real users’ experience metrics as they relate to accessing popular web destinations. Consider this a measuring stick for your own site.
Yep, Chrome DevTools is all about providing you with the web developer tools you need to make your site pop, and this includes reducing drag. One of its best time-saving offerings is Lighthouse, which allows you to identify and fix common problems that affect your site’s performance, accessibility, and user experience. Suffice to say that, with that, Google said a mouthful. The options offered by Chrome DevTools are nearly limitless, so pause and take a careful look around.
Google’s tools are the gift that keeps on giving, and PageSpeed Insights is but just another example. This handy Google offering carefully parses your web page’s content and subsequently generates helpful suggestions to keep things moving. This is Google’s way of helping you put your performance anxiety to rest.
As with all things internet, you’re going have to deal with some cute phraseology. With this in mind, we consider First Meaningful Paint (FMP), which is but one of the six metrics that are dutifully tracked in the aforementioned Lighthouse report’s performance section. Each of these six metrics captures a different component of a page’s load speed, and each should be considered in relation to your own unique website. Needless to say, there’s a lot going on here, but a digital marketing professional can help you navigate your best path forward.
Increasing your page speed may seem like magic, but the fact is that it’s doable. The longer it takes to load your page, the lower your site will rank against your competitors. You do, however, have options, including all of the following:
It sounds like a lot because it is a lot, but an experienced digital marketing specialist can help you not only optimize your page speed but also optimize your page itself – with content that resonates with the viewing audience.
Page speed is important when it comes to getting your site to rank, and the digital marketing pros at The Web Guys totally get that. We’re standing by to help you get up to speed with online offerings that pop. Speedy deliveries never lose their charm, so please don’t delay contacting us 317-805-4933 for more information about us or our digital marketing services today today.
Content that converts is critical to driving engagement and growth for businesses. However, not all…
Social media and digital marketing go hand in hand. Various platforms are invaluable channels for…
In today's digital landscape, establishing a strong online presence is essential for businesses looking to…
The modern digital landscape requires business owners to maintain a robust online presence to increase…
Small local businesses face a unique challenge: standing out in a crowded online marketplace. At…
You're a local business – or you conduct business locally – which makes getting yourself…