In this short paragraph we dedicate few paragraphs to the analysis of the main variables that influence a website speed. To tell the truth, this aspect is one of those most important factors related to Search Engine Optimization. In fact, not only faster websites can provide a more engaging and enjoyable experience for users that read content online, but evidence has also shown that:
- Search engines crawl more easily those website pages that load faster
- Search engines index fast websites more quickly
Firstly, the overall process of loading and displaying website pages doesn’t happen instantaneously but in sequence; it involves multiple key factors such as:
- Server Infrastructure
- Internet Connection Speed
- Website Configuration (plugins, themes etc ..)
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Website Speed & SEO: Loading Process
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Server/User Communication
This first phase involves the network protocols used to carry out the communication between the web server and the user’s device. Although it is not easy to influence this part of the process for technical reasons, it is possible to rely on some technologies such as a CDN. This solution involves a network of servers connected to each other with the aim of transmitting content in the fastest, most reliable and most secure way.
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Server Request
Once the connection is established, the user’s device sends a request to the web server requesting the web page, inclusive of all its components. The server processes this request and, accordingly, prepares the content. This phase is greatly influenced by the web server, the hosting infrastructure, the themes and the plug-ins adopted.
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Page Load
During this last phase, each element of the web page is loaded and displayed on the user’s devices. Every piece of code and image inside the web page is therefore able to influence the overall loading speed. Each element is loaded sequentially with those at the top of the page taking the priority.
Website Speed & SEO: Loading Speed
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Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
This parameter measures the time it takes for the most relevant content to appear on the user’s device screen. The largest element is usually a video, an image or a large block-level text element.
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First Input Delay (FID)
This measure calculates how quickly the page respond to the user’s first interaction. This measurement start from whatever interactive element that the user first clicks.
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Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
In addition, this measure indicates the sum total of all individual layout shift scores for every unexpected layout shift that occurs during the entire lifespan of the page.
Website Speed & SEO: Conclusion
In conclusion, the entire process of optimizing the loading speed is not an easy and immediate task. If your intention is to speed up your website by improving its loading speed, thankfully, you can rely on great online resourses such as, for example, GT Metrix, PageSpeed Insights, WebPageTest. An adequate and complete analysis of the results, however, requires the knowledge of the matter. If you need assistance in understanding all the issues that you have been facing in the process of speeding up your website, book a consultation with our company! We will be happy to assist you!
