Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In this short article reserved for a specific aspect of SEO viz.search engine optimization, we will describe all those variables, unfortunately very often underestimated, that contribute to influence the loading speed of individual pages of a website. In fact, the loading speed of websites is considered as one of those vital factors in the field of SEO optimization capable of influencing, positively or otherwise, the ranking within search engines such as Google, Microsoft Bing, Yahoo etc... What influences the speed of a website? What are website speed tests?
(For more information, the documentation provided by Google).
Velocità dei Siti Web & SEO: Introduzione
First, not only are websites capable of loading quickly able to offer a qualitatively much more pleasant and engaging experience for users than slower ones, but data evidence has also shown that people do not purchase or interact on slow websites in the same way as on so-called 'faster' ones. In addition, in addition to providing a better service for user visitors, faster websites are also - for the search engines themselves - easier to scan, process and index.
This will enable them to include within their indexes or update various pages more quickly and efficiently.
During the whole process of loading web pages, not a single variable is involved, on the contrary, multiple factors are involved: for example, the server infrastructure, the reliability and speed of the Internet connection, the technical configuration of the website including the various plugins and themes used. The whole process determining the loading speed of a web page can be schematized, simplistically, in three stages.
The Process of Loading Web Pages: The 3 Stages
The first phase involves the network protocols used to establish communication between the Web server and the user's device; therefore, this makes data transfer via the Internet possible. Although it is difficult to speed up or influence this part of the process for structural reasons, there are technological solutions that help: for example, the use of a Content Delivery Network.
During the second stage, after establishing a connection, the user's device sends a request to the Web server 'asking' for the Web page with related files and content. The Web server processes this request and, accordingly, prepares the requested content. Elements such as the hosting infrastructure, Web server, themes and plug-ins adopted are able to influence this phase to a great extent.
The third stage, on the other hand, is when the content of the website is reproduced on the user's devices. Images, every HTML element, JavaScript, CSS on the web page are therefore able to influence the overall speed of a website. In this regard, for the purpose of understanding the speed of websites, it should be remembered that the content and elements within a page are loaded sequentially. Those near the top of the page will take priority over those near the bottom.
5 Parametri per misurare la Velocità dei Siti Web
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
This parameter calculates the time it takes for the most significant or relevant content to appear on the user's device screen.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
This index shows the stability of visual elements on the page during the entire loading phase.
First Contentful Paint (FCP)
This parameter adopted from website speed texts measures the time it takes for key visual content to appear on the screen.
First Input Delay (FID)
This is the speed at which the page is able to respond to the user's first interaction.
Time to First Byte (TTFB)
It calculates the time required before the web server gives its response.
Misura e Migliora la Velocità dei Siti Web
For some years now, it has been possible to find effective and reliable tools online that can help you analyze the speed of websites. This way you can better understand the pages of your website on your own and see if they are performing adequately. The most popular of these website speed testing tools include. GT Metrix o PageSpeed Insights.
Adequate and complete analysis of the results, however, requires excellent knowledge of the subject matter and familiarity with the English language. Very often it is necessary, not only to be able to interpret the reports provided, but also to identify the root causes of their results.
Do you want to improve the speed of your website? If you need assistance in understanding these issues, book a web marketing consultation with our company now! We will be happy to help you!
