Page speed optimization is the process of improving how quickly a web page loads and responds to user interactions. A fast site keeps visitors happy, encourages them to explore further, and can even give you a boost in search engine rankings.

From shrinking down images to tidying up the website's behind-the-scenes code, making your pages load faster is a really important step when you're building or updating a website. Especially these days, people expect websites to load in under three seconds. So, whether you're starting from scratch or giving your current site a refresh, thinking about page speed should be high on your list.

Why page speed matters 

When someone lands on your site, you've got a tiny window to grab their attention. If your pages take too long to appear, they might just click away before they even see what you have to offer. 

Here's why focusing on page speed is crucial.

• User experience. Fast websites feel much nicer and easier to use. People are more likely to stick around and engage with your content.
• SEO. Google considers how fast your pages load, especially on phones, when deciding where to rank them in search results.
• Conversion rates. Faster sites often see more people filling out forms, making purchases, or booking services. It makes the whole process smoother.
• Mobile performance. When people are browsing on their phones (often with slower internet connections), optimized pages are much more likely to load correctly and quickly.

How to optimize page speed on your website

Here are some practical things you can do to make your website load faster.

1. Compress and resize images

Big, high-resolution photos can really slow things down. Use tools or website platforms that automatically compress and resize images without making them look blurry.

2. Minify code

Think of your website's code (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) as its foundation. Removing extra spaces, unnecessary line breaks, or unused code can make a surprising difference in load time.

3. Use modern image formats

Newer image formats like WebP can give you the same visual quality as older formats but with smaller file sizes. 

4. Enable browser caching

This allows visitors' browsers to save some of your website's data, so it loads much faster when they come back.

5. Limit third-party scripts

Too many add-ons from other companies (like chat boxes or social media feeds) can slow down your pages. Only use the ones you really need.

6. Use a fast, secure hosting provider

The company that hosts your website plays a big role in how quickly your site responds. Pick a reliable provider known for good performance and uptime.

FAQs about page speed optimization

What’s a good page load time?

Ideally, aim for under 3 seconds. The faster, the better, especially for mobile users who expect quick results even on slower connections.

How do I check my website’s speed?

You can use free online tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Lighthouse to test your site's speed and get suggestions on how to improve it.

What causes slow page speeds?

Often, it's factors like large, uncompressed images, too many plugins or scripts, heavy fonts, a slow web hosting provider, or poorly written website code.

Does page speed impact SEO?

Yes, it does. Google considers page speed, particularly on mobile, as a factor in how they rank websites. A faster site can help you rank higher in search results.

Build a fast website with B12

You shouldn’t need to worry about caching, compression, or code minification. With B12, your site is automatically optimized for speed, performance, and mobile responsiveness, so you can focus on your business. Draft your lightning-fast website with B12 today.