Page speed refers to how quickly a web page loads and becomes usable for visitors. It includes the time taken to display visible content, respond to user interactions, and fully render page elements. Faster page speed improves usability by reducing waiting time and friction during navigation.
Page speed affects both user behaviour and search performance. Slow loading pages increase abandonment rates and reduce engagement, particularly on mobile devices. Search engines use speed related signals to evaluate page experience and prioritise content that delivers efficient access.
Page speed is not a single metric. It represents a collection of performance indicators that together describe how efficiently a page loads and responds. Optimising page speed supports better user satisfaction, stronger visibility, and improved conversion outcomes.
Advanced
Page speed is influenced by factors such as server response time, resource size, render blocking scripts, image optimisation, and caching strategy. Modern evaluation focuses on real user experience metrics rather than raw load time alone.
Advanced optimisation involves reducing unnecessary JavaScript, optimising delivery paths, improving hosting performance, and leveraging modern formats and compression. Continuous monitoring is required as design changes, third party scripts, and content growth can degrade performance over time.
Relevance
- Improves user experience and satisfaction.
- Reduces bounce and abandonment rates.
- Influences search visibility and page experience signals.
- Supports mobile performance requirements.
- Contributes to higher conversion efficiency.
Applications
- Technical SEO optimisation.
- Website performance audits.
- Mobile experience improvements.
- Conversion rate optimisation initiatives.
- Large site scalability planning.
Metrics
- Largest Contentful Paint values.
- Interaction responsiveness indicators.
- Visual stability measurements.
- Time to first byte.
- Real user performance data.
Issues
- Slow pages increase abandonment.
- Poor mobile speed limits visibility.
- Heavy scripts block rendering.
- Unoptimised media delays loading.
- Lack of monitoring allows degradation.
Example
An ecommerce site experienced high mobile bounce rates. Performance analysis revealed large images and blocking scripts. After optimising assets and improving server response time, page speed improved, bounce rates declined, and mobile conversions increased.