SEO Basics: Improve Page Loading Speed

One of the most important things to check when you’re not getting any traffic is your page’s loading speed.

I once read that most people won’t wait longer than three seconds for a site to load. I’m not sure if that number is exact, but I know I don’t wait long myself. Especially, when I visit a new site for the first time, my patience is limited—and I assume most internet users feel the same way.

To make sure your page loads quickly:

  • Choose a reliable hosting plan
  • Use a professional theme
  • Avoid unnecessary plug-ins
  • Upload images at the smallest size you actually need
  • Use a plug-in designed to speed up your site

These are the key steps. A high-quality hosting plan is usually the most significant factor—although also the most expensive. A professional theme is next; it’s typically affordable and a one-time purchase.

The more plug-ins you install, the slower your site becomes, so only use the ones that are truly necessary. Some plug-ins help clean up your cache and improve overall performance, though, such as LiteSpeed Cache.

When it comes to images, avoid uploading them at full resolution. Think about the size at which the image will appear on your site, resize it accordingly, and reduce the file size. You can also compress your images to size the file down further:

  1. Use GIMP (a free Photoshop alternative) to resize images
  2. Use this free compressor to reduce file size

If you want to test your page loading speed, you can use free tools such as: Page Speed Insights

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