Website speed is more than just a technical detail – it directly impacts user experience and search engine rankings. A slow website can frustrate visitors, increase bounce rates, and even reduce conversions. On the other hand, a fast-loading website keeps users engaged and improves your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Why website speed matters
- User experience and engagement
When someone lands on your website, you have only a few seconds to capture their attention. If pages take too long to load, users are more likely to leave and find a faster alternative. Studies show that even a one-second delay in loading time can significantly reduce customer satisfaction and conversions. - SEO and search rankings
Google prioritises website speed as a ranking factor. Faster sites are rewarded with better visibility in search results, while slow sites may struggle to compete. If your website takes too long to load, it could be pushed down in search rankings, making it harder for potential customers to find you. - Mobile optimisation
With more users browsing on mobile devices, speed is even more critical. Mobile users expect fast-loading pages, and Google’s mobile-first indexing means that slow mobile performance can hurt your overall search ranking.
How to improve website speed
- Optimise images – large, uncompressed images slow down your website. Use compressed image formats (like WebP) to maintain quality while reducing file size.
- Enable caching – caching stores website data so returning visitors experience faster load times.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) – a CDN distributes your website content across multiple servers worldwide, reducing load times for users in different locations.
- Minimise plugins and scripts – too many plugins or unnecessary scripts can slow your site down. Regularly review and remove anything you don’t need.
- Choose reliable hosting – your hosting provider plays a big role in website speed. A managed WordPress hosting service with performance optimisation features can make a big difference.
Need help improving website speed?
A slow website can cost your business valuable traffic and potential customers. If your website isn’t performing at its best, MakeWeb can help. We offer secure, high-performance managed WordPress hosting to keep your site fast, secure, and optimised for search engines.
Get in touch today to find out how we can improve your website’s speed and performance.