Speed matters

Having a fast site is more important than you'd think, it even affects how your site ranks on Google.

Author:  Oliver Speir
Oct 07, 20232 min read
Topics:  Performance

IntroductionSection titled Introduction

Having a fast site is more important than you’d think. Not only does it directly affect how your site ranks on search engines like Google, but it also influences sales, customer satisfaction, and brand perception. Understanding Core Web Vitals can be key to achieving success in these areas.

What are Core Web Vitals?Section titled What are Core Web Vitals?

“Core Web Vitals is a set of metrics that measure real-world user experience for loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability of the page.”

- Google

Core Web Vitals are Google’s way of quantifying user experience on a webpage. These metrics are important for both search engine ranking and ensuring a positive user experience. Google uses this to score as well as general performance rating when ranking search results.

The Economics of SpeedSection titled The Economics of Speed

“According to research from digital performance measurement firm Dynatrace, just a half-second difference in page load times can make a 10% difference in sales for an online retailer.”

- BBC

Fast websites aren’t just more pleasant for users; they can significantly impact your bottom line. A slight delay in page load time can result in a substantial reduction in sales.

First Impressions and User ExperienceSection titled First Impressions and User Experience

Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential clients. A fast and smooth website can leave a positive impression, which is crucial for customer retention and brand image. Moreover, a study by web.dev shows that delays in mobile speed elicit stress responses similar to watching a horror movie or solving a mathematical problem. Slow websites aren’t just inconvenient; they’re stressful, emphasizing the importance of a fast, user-friendly site.

Mobile Experience is ParamountSection titled Mobile Experience is Paramount

“53% of visits are likely to be abandoned if pages take longer than 3 seconds to load.”

- Google

With the increasing number of mobile users, optimizing your site for mobile is non-negotiable. Slow load times on mobile not only affect user experience but can also lead to people leaving your site. The reason why mobile users require faster websites is the inconsistence of cell networks.

ConclusionSection titled Conclusion

From user experience to SEO ranking, sales, and brand perception, the speed of your website is a key factor that can make or break your online business success. Investing in a fast, well-structured website is investing in the long-term sustainability and growth of your business.