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25 Simple Tips to Increase Website Speed for Better SEO

There are simple, practical ways to increase website speed and give your visitors a smoother ride. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 25 easy tips to make your site lightning-fast.

Let’s be real – nothing kills user experience faster than a slow website. We’ve all clicked away from a site that took forever to load, and guess what? That’s exactly what your visitors (and Google) are doing if your pages lag.

The good news?

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix it – nor do you have to do everything on your own! With the right tools, you can increase website speed without technical SEO burnout (or mental breakdowns 😃).

But first, let’s clear up a few common questions that usually pop up when talking about site speed.

Why Is My Website Too Slow?

A slow website can happen for many reasons, and often it’s not just one thing. Heavy images, bloated code, unreliable hosting, too many plugins, and even excessive ads can drag your site down. Sometimes, it’s as simple as your theme being overloaded with features you don’t even use.

A slow site doesn’t just frustrate visitors – it hurts your SEO rankings and increases bounce rates. Think about it: would you wait 10 seconds for a page to load? Probably not. The key is to identify what’s clogging up your performance so you can take targeted steps to improve website speed.

How to Increase The Speed of a Website?

The fastest way to increase website speed is by focusing on optimization at both the server and content levels. Start with good hosting, then add performance boosters like caching, CDNs, and image compression.

On the design side, keep things lightweight and avoid loading unnecessary scripts or animations. Don’t forget simple tricks like lazy loading images and cleaning up your database.

If you’re on WordPress or Shopify, you can use built-in or third-party tools that make this process almost automatic.

When you put these steps together, your site won’t just load faster – it will also keep users engaged longer and improve your SEO performance.

But don’t worry if you’re like, “what the heck are you talking about? 🤯”. We’ll break down every step and process in more depth in the 25 simple tips to increase website speed for better SEO (aka the next section!).

25 Tips to Increase Website Speed for Better SEO

Want to know the truth? Even if your site looks amazing, it won’t matter if it’s painfully slow. Users bounce, Google drops your rankings, and all that hard work goes to waste.

The good news is that improving speed isn’t rocket science. In fact, with a few smart tweaks, you can increase website speed, improve SEO performance, and keep visitors around longer.

Below, I’ve rounded up 25 simple but effective tips – from quick fixes like image compression to deeper improvements like better hosting. Follow these, and you’ll not only improve website loading speed (and drastically better your site’s Core Web Vitals) but also boost your search visibility and conversions.

1. Choose Reliable Hosting – Shared vs Managed

Your hosting provider plays a huge role in how fast your site loads. Shared hosting might sound appealing because it’s cheap (and if you’re on a budget, it is a perfectly fine way to start!), but here’s the catch – you’re sharing resources with hundreds of other websites.

If one site hogs the server, your site slows down, too.

Managed hosting, on the other hand, gives you dedicated resources, better caching, and built-in optimizations that directly increase website speed.

Shared Hosting vs Managed Hosting: Core Differences

Think of it like renting an apartment versus owning a house – you’ll have way more control and stability with the second option. If you’re serious about performance, I recommend checking out hosting providers like DreamHost and SiteGround, which offer managed plans designed to improve website speed without you needing to tinker with tech stuff all day.

Shared hosting costs around $2-3/mo and managed hosting costs around $16-25/mo (you get a huge discount and a free domain name if you sign up for a yearly subscription).

2. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN might sound complicated, but it’s really just a global network of servers that stores your website’s files closer to your visitors. So, if someone in Portugal visits your site that’s hosted in the U.S., the CDN delivers it from the nearest server much faster than making the “long trip”.

Using a CDN helps you improve page speed and ensures your site loads quickly for users worldwide. Popular options include Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, and Amazon CloudFront. It’s one of the simplest ways to optimize website performance, especially if your site has an international audience.

Bonus: most CDNs also add a layer of security, reducing risks like DDoS attacks.

3. Enable Browser Caching

Caching stores parts of your site – like images, stylesheets, or logos – on a visitor’s device so they don’t have to reload everything each time they come back. This can cut loading times dramatically.

For WordPress users, plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache make this process as easy as checking a box.

For Shopify users, Shopify handles some caching automatically, but you can further increase site speed by minimizing resource-heavy apps.

Browser caching isn’t just about faster load times; it also reduces server load and improves overall user experience. If your audience comes back often, enabling caching is one of the most effective ways to improve website speed instantly.

4. Optimize Website Images (Compression & Next-Gen Formats)

Images are often the biggest culprits behind slow websites. A few oversized JPEGs can easily add seconds to your load time.

The trick is to compress images without losing quality. Tools like TinyPNG, ShortPixel, or plugins like Smush for WordPress do this automatically.

Another big win is switching to next-gen formats like WebP or AVIF, which deliver smaller file sizes without sacrificing clarity.

On Shopify, you can use built-in apps that handle compression in the background.

By optimizing images, you’ll dramatically improve website loading speed and make your site feel snappier. Remember: a clean, fast-loading image beats a giant, pixel-perfect one that takes forever to appear.

5. Reduce HTTP Requests

Every file your site loads – images, CSS, JavaScript – creates an HTTP request. The more requests, the longer your page takes to load. To increase website speed, aim to cut down on unnecessary files. Combine CSS and JavaScript where possible, use sprites for icons, and get rid of scripts you don’t need.

Also, avoid embedding too many third-party widgets (like social feeds or ad trackers) because they add to the request count. A streamlined site not only loads faster but is easier to maintain. This small tweak can significantly improve site speed without changing the way your site looks or functions.

6. Keep Website Design Simple & Lightweight

I know flashy animations, sliders, and giant video backgrounds look tempting (hech, how do I know…), but they’re often the biggest speed killers. A simple, clean design doesn’t just improve user experience – it makes your site lightning-fast. Focus on layouts that highlight your content instead of overloading your pages with visual clutter.

Lightweight themes and minimalistic templates can help you increase website speed while still looking modern and professional.

For WordPress, themes like Ashe PRO or Divi (the latter has improved its page speed load dramatically) are great options. On Shopify, stick with streamlined themes from the official store.

Remember: visitors come for your content, not a slow-loading homepage circus.

7. Minify and Combine JavaScript Files

JavaScript powers cool features, but too much of it can overwhelm your site. Minifying removes unnecessary spaces, comments, and characters in your code, making files smaller and faster to load. Combining files means fewer requests for your server to handle.

Tools like Autoptimize (WordPress) or apps in Shopify help automate this process.

Even better, you can load non-essential JS after the page finishes loading. By doing this, you’ll increase site speed and keep those scripts from slowing down what really matters – your content.

It’s one of those behind-the-scenes fixes that makes a noticeable difference.

8. Minify and Combine CSS Files to Increase Website Speed

Like JavaScript, CSS can bloat quickly, especially with themes and plugins adding their own stylesheets. Minifying CSS trims the fat, while combining files reduces requests. A smaller, more efficient stylesheet directly improves page speed.

WordPress plugins like WP Rocket or Autoptimize can handle this in a couple of clicks. Shopify users can hire a developer or use apps to streamline CSS.

This isn’t just about shaving milliseconds – cleaner CSS ensures smoother rendering across devices, especially on mobile.

And since Google prioritizes mobile performance, reducing CSS load is a solid step to improve website SEO performance.

Benefits of Minification (CSS & JavaScript) to Increase Website Speed

9. Load JavaScript Asynchronously & Defer Non-Critical JS

Not all scripts need to load immediately.

For example, your live chat widget doesn’t have to block the entire page from loading. By setting JavaScript to load asynchronously or deferring it until after the main content loads, you improve website speed without sacrificing features. This is especially useful for third-party scripts like analytics, social buttons, or tracking codes.

In WordPress, plugins make this setup easy, and Shopify often supports async loading with a few tweaks.

When you prioritize critical resources first, users see your content faster, which keeps them engaged and lowers bounce rates.

10. Use Lazy Loading for Images & Videos

Lazy loading is a clever trick where images and videos only load when a user scrolls down to them. Instead of forcing a browser to load every single media file at once, you let it load on demand. This can drastically improve website loading speed, especially for image-heavy blogs or stores.

WordPress now has lazy loading built in, and Shopify has apps to add the same feature. Think of it like serving food at a buffet – people get what they need, when they need it, instead of piling everything on their plate at once.

The result? Faster load times and happier visitors.

11. Enable GZIP or Brotli Compression to Increase Website Speed

Compression is one of those behind-the-scenes tricks that gives your website a turbo boost. GZIP and Brotli work by compressing text-based files like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript before sending them to the browser.

Smaller files = faster delivery = happier visitors.

Most web hosts, like SiteGround or DreamHost, support GZIP by default, but Brotli is a newer, more efficient option that can shrink files even more.

On WordPress, caching plugins often enable this with a single click. Shopify users may need to confirm compression settings with their theme or developer.

Enabling compression is a no-brainer way to improve website loading speed without touching your content.

12. Reduce Redirects & Fix Broken Links

Every time a page redirects, it creates an extra step for the browser. One redirect might not hurt, but stack up too many and you’ll definitely slow things down. Plus, broken links frustrate visitors and make search engines less happy with your site.

You can use free tools like Google Search Console to find redirect chains and broken URLs.

Then, update internal links to point directly to the right destination. For WordPress, plugins like Redirection can help manage things smoothly.

By cleaning this up, you’ll increase website speed and create a smoother experience that keeps visitors around longer.

If you’re still not sure how to fix broken links and reduce redirection, check my last post, 20 Best Plugins to Improve SEO Score on WordPress. In that post, I cover WordPress tools that will easily fix all these issues on your website or blog, and consequently give a boost to your SEO rankings.

13. Use a Lightweight CMS Theme (Avoid Bloated Ones)

Themes are often overlooked when people try to improve site speed, but they matter – and a lot. We’ve seen that already in this post when we discussed website design: a theme packed with flashy animations, massive sliders, and endless customization options often comes with bloated code. That means slower load times.

Instead, go for lightweight themes optimized for speed.

On WordPress, a favorite like Divi by Elegant Themes or Ashe PRO by WP Royal strikes a balance between design and performance. For Shopify, stick with fast, minimal themes from their official marketplace. A clean theme not only helps you increase website speed but also gives you fewer headaches in the long run.

Remember: simplicity sells (and loads faster).

14. Clean Up and Optimize Your Database to Increase Website Speed

Your website’s database stores everything – posts, comments, settings, plugin data, and more. Over time, it collects “junk”: old revisions, spam comments, expired transients, and unused tables. This clutter slows down queries, making your site sluggish.

Tools like WP-Optimize or Advanced Database Cleaner can tidy up a WordPress database in a few clicks. Shopify doesn’t need the same cleanup since it’s cloud-managed, but minimizing unnecessary apps helps keep things lean.

Regular cleanups improve website speed and reduce server strain, especially on larger sites. Think of it as spring cleaning – your visitors won’t see it, but they’ll feel the difference.

15. Limit Third-Party Scripts (Ads, Widgets, Trackers)

Third-party scripts are sneaky speed killers. Things like ad networks, chatbots, or even social media widgets load external code that you can’t always control. Too many of them, and your site drags.

To improve page speed, audit what’s really necessary. Do you need that Instagram widget on every page, or just on your About section?

What about your ad network? Of course, you won’t want to cut ad monetization on your website or blog, but consider changing the company you work with, or at least sending an email to your ad provider to see if there’s a way to improve ad delivery. Remember that the higher your bounce rate, the lower your ad revenue.

Keep scripts to a minimum, and load them asynchronously when possible. You’ll often notice big improvements just by trimming extras. Visitors come for your content or products – not for 12 tracking codes working in the background.

16. Monitor Pageviews and Bounce Rate with MonsterInsights

One of the best ways to figure out if your speed optimizations are working is to track how users behave. MonsterInsights connects your WordPress site with Google Analytics and makes the data much easier to read.

High bounce rate? It could mean your site is still too slow. Steady pageviews and longer sessions? That means you’re on the right track.

Using this tool, you can make smarter decisions to improve website SEO performance while keeping an eye on whether speed tweaks are really paying off. It’s not about guessing – it’s about tracking the numbers that matter.

17. Enable HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 for Faster Connections

HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 are the newer, faster versions of the web’s core communication protocol. Without getting too technical, they allow browsers to load multiple files at once instead of one by one. That means faster delivery of your CSS, JavaScript, and images.

Most modern hosts (including SiteGround and DreamHost) already support HTTP/2, and HTTP/3 is becoming the standard. You usually don’t need to configure anything – just make sure your SSL certificate is active since HTTP/2 and above require HTTPS.

This small upgrade can significantly increase site speed, especially for media-rich pages.

18. Use a Performance-Focused WordPress Theme

If you’re on WordPress, not every theme is created equal. Some are bloated with options you’ll never use, while others are specifically designed to load fast. A performance-focused theme uses clean code, minimal scripts, and optimized layouts that naturally increase WordPress site speed.

Themes like GeneratePress or Astra are lightweight yet customizable. Combine one of these with caching and image optimization, and you’re already miles ahead.

If you’re serious about performance, investing in a premium, speed-optimized theme is worth every penny. Think of it as buying a sports car chassis – you’re starting with speed built in.

19. Install a Caching Plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache)

Caching plugins are must-haves for WordPress if you want to boost website speed. They generate static versions of your pages so your server doesn’t have to rebuild them from scratch every time someone visits.

WP Rocket, LiteSpeed Cache, and W3 Total Cache are top picks. These plugins also handle extras like minification, lazy loading, and database optimization – all in one place.

The best part? They’re beginner-friendly. With just a few clicks, you’ll see load times drop dramatically, which means better SEO performance and happier visitors. If you’re not caching yet, you’re leaving speed on the table.

20. Limit WordPress Plugins & Regularly Update Them

Plugins are amazing for adding features, but too many can bloat your site and slow it down. Worse, outdated plugins may conflict with others or open security holes. To improve WordPress site speed – and consequently, improve WordPress website security – audit your plugins and delete the ones you don’t really need.

For example, do you need three SEO plugins, or is one enough? Keeping plugins updated ensures they’re running efficiently and compatible with the latest WordPress version.

Less is often more – fewer plugins mean fewer scripts, faster performance, and fewer things that can go wrong. A lean site is a fast site.

21. Reduce Font Impact to Increase Website Speed

Yeah, even your font style can impact your site speed. Custom fonts like Google Fonts look sleek, but they add extra HTTP requests, which can slow things down. To improve website loading speed, stick to system fonts (like Arial, Helvetica, or Georgia) when possible, or at least limit how many weights and variations you load.

Also, always enable font-display: swap in your CSS – this way, text shows up immediately while the custom font loads in the background. It’s a subtle tweak, but it can shave precious seconds off your load time.

22. Avoid Chaining Critical Requests

Critical request chains happen when one resource depends on another before the page can render (for example, a script that can’t run until another script loads). The more dependencies, the slower your page becomes. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights highlight these chains.

To increase site speed, reduce or defer non-critical resources, combine scripts where possible, and load essentials first. Keeping your critical path lean ensures your website becomes interactive faster – something both users and search engines love.

23. Reduce Popups to Increase Website Speed

We’ve all landed on a site that throws three popups at us before we can even scroll – frustrating, right?

Beyond annoying visitors, excessive or poorly timed popups can hurt load time and even trigger layout shifts (bad for Core Web Vitals). To improve site speed, keep popups minimal, lightweight, and trigger them only when necessary (like exit intent).

If you use popups for email signups or promos, optimize their scripts and test performance with tools like GTmetrix. Cleaner pages mean faster loads – and happier users.

24. Don’t Use Deprecated APIs

Outdated or deprecated APIs can secretly drag down your site’s performance. Why? Because they may not be optimized for modern browsers and often load extra scripts that slow everything else down.

If you want to optimize website performance, make sure your theme, plugins, and integrations use up-to-date APIs. For example, replace older JavaScript libraries with lightweight, modern ones.

Not only will this help increase website speed, but it also keeps your site secure and compatible with new technologies.

25. Regularly Monitor Your Site Speed

Finally, website optimization isn’t a one-and-done job. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or MonsterInsights (great for WordPress users) help you keep an eye on speed, bounce rates, and visitor behavior.

By monitoring performance regularly, you can fix issues before they affect rankings or conversions. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How to improve my website speed long term?”, the answer is: keep testing, keep tweaking.

How to Get 100 Page Speed?

Hitting a perfect 100 on Google PageSpeed Insights looks amazing, but let’s be honest – it’s not always realistic for every site. That said, you can get pretty close by following best practices: compress all images, use a CDN, enable caching, minimize CSS and JavaScript, and choose a fast host.

On WordPress, combine a caching plugin with database optimization and a lightweight theme.

On Shopify, cut back on unnecessary apps and scripts.

Remember, the goal isn’t just a score – it’s giving your visitors the fastest, smoothest experience possible. Focus on real performance improvements, and the numbers will follow.

Which Tool Helps to Optimize the Website?

Several tools make it easier to optimize website performance without guessing. Google PageSpeed Insights is a free option that gives you specific recommendations, like reducing unused JavaScript or compressing images.

GTmetrix and Pingdom are also popular for analyzing speed issues in detail.

If you’re running WordPress, plugins like WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache can handle caching and optimization automatically. Shopify users benefit from apps that compress images and streamline code.

The right tool depends on your platform, but the goal is the same: identify bottlenecks and apply fixes that actually improve website speed.

How to Improve Shopify Website Speed

If you run your store on Shopify, small tweaks can make a big difference in how fast your pages load. Here are the easiest ways to increase Shopify website speed:

• Choose a lightweight Shopify theme
• Minimize the number of apps and scripts installed
• Optimize product images with compression (WebP if possible)
• Use Shopify’s built-in lazy loading for images
• Avoid autoplay videos and heavy animations
• Limit popups and third-party trackers
• Keep redirects and broken links to a minimum
• Regularly test speed with Shopify Analyzer or PageSpeed Insights

Conclusion: Increasing Website Speed = Boosting SEO 🚀

Here’s the takeaway:

To increase website speed for better SEO, optimize images, use reliable hosting, leverage caching, reduce CSS and JavaScript, enable lazy loading, and choose a lightweight theme. Combine these 25 simple tips with regular monitoring tools like MonsterInsights or Google PageSpeed Insights to maintain top performance and rankings.

Faster websites not only climb higher in search results but also keep visitors engaged, reduce bounce rates, and increase conversions. Start with a few of the easiest fixes – like image compression and caching – and work your way through the list. The sooner you speed things up, the sooner both Google and your readers will reward you.