Website load speed - why it is important

Load speed is critical for user experience, SEO, and conversions. Slow-loading websites drive visitors away

Website load speed is an important part of user experience, improved SEO, and higher engagement. Focus on speed to keep visitors happy and improve your website’s performance.

Design - simple and optimised

Large images, videos, animations, and complex layouts slow down your website. You can balance looks and performance by using simple, clean designs and optimising images. A clean design ensures faster loading and better retention, while a slow, cluttered site can turn users away before they see your content. As an added bonus - clean, simple designs are typically easier to content manage. 

Code - minimal and clean

Bloated or poorly optimised code increase load times. Minimise CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, and remove unnecessary scripts to reduce file sizes. Clean and efficient coding practices ensure faster page load. Also, keep your content management system up-to-date with the latest security/performance tweaks and limit the user of 3rd party plugins. 

Hosting - so many options!

There's an option for every size and budget:  

  • Shared hosting: your website shares a server with others. It's affordable and mostly fine for your side project, local sports team or a small business website.
  • Semi-dedicated hosting: similar to shared hosting but with greater resources 
  • Dedicated hosting: a server all to yourself! Someone with technical knowledge is required. 
  • Cloud hosting: multiple servers in multiple locations that can switch on or off depending on your website's traffic

Always choose a reliable hosting provider with fast servers and a local support team, preferably with phone support in case of emergency.  

Don't take my word for it! Have a look at these web performance optimisation case studies.

Benefits of fast websites

  • Improved user experience: keep users engaged
  • Better conversion rates: help users to register, buy, sign up, 
  • Higher SEO rankings: Search engines favour fast websites
  • Better mobile engagement: Mobile users, often on patchy connections, likely to abandon slow sites
  • Stronger brand perception: Fast websites reflect professionalism