What is page speed?
The term “page speed” refers to the speed at which the content of a website is loaded and made accessible to the user. This speed is measured by the time that elapses from the moment a request is sent to the server until the page is fully displayed on the user's device.
Meaning of page speed
The loading time of a website is a critical factor for user experience. Fast load times not only improve usability, but also influence search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines like Google use page speed as one of the factors for determining a website's ranking. A fast-loading page can therefore appear higher in search results than a slower one.
Factors that influence page speed
Various technical aspects can influence the loading time of a website. This includes server performance, the size and optimization of images and media on the page, the amount and efficiency of the code used (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), and the number of HTTP requests required to load the page.
Why Page Speed is getting more attention today
In today's fast-paced digital world, users expect quick answers and short loading times. With the increasing use of mobile devices, which are often less powerful than desktop computers, optimizing page speed is becoming increasingly important. Fast loading time is crucial to avoid visitor churn and ensure a positive user experience.
Measures to optimize page speed
Various measures can be taken to optimize the loading times of a website. This includes minimizing file sizes by compressing images and media, reducing the number of HTTP requests by merging files, improving server response time, implementing caching strategies, and optimizing the website's code. Hosting also plays a decisive role; a fast and reliable server is essential for good load times.
Optimizing page speed is a continuous task that requires regular reviews and adjustments to meet constantly changing technologies and user expectations. A tool from Google PageSpeedDev can scan your website and provide you with initial recommendations for action.