Website Speed Optimization: It’s All in the Server

Website Speed Optimization: It’s All in the Server

Speed Optimization Increases Conversion Rates

The World Wide Web is a very competitive domain. Aside from the number of sites that you can basically consider your competition, the ever-changing trends also make it hard for entrepreneurs to keep up. In fact, even webmasters also commit their own mistakes by neglecting the importance of some very simple elements that make up a successful page. In her recent webinar, Theresa Baiocco talks about how optimization can be achieved through different kinds of servers. 

Web Speed Optimization

Web optimization is one of the factors that can help you drive traffic into your site. The problem with many webpages is that they were not built to function optimally in the virtual domain as simple details that affect the overall usability of the page are overlooked. If you want to provide the best navigating experience to your audience, it is time that you draw your attention to what really matters—speed and functionality. Once the site is properly and fully optimized, it can literally attract traffic to your site, helping you generate more leads and income.

If you have never optimized your webpage before (see other article about the top 5 tips to do that), there is no need for you to worry because there are steps to take that can help you out.[Tweet “Through simple modifications in your server, you can optimize your website to become a profit-generating business”]

Your Web Host Matters: Quality First

The right web host can help you become that instant virtual millionaire, while unreliable hosts can do exactly the opposite. There are so many companies that offer free web hosting services, and I know that the word ‘free’ itself might be quite tempting. However, these free hosts are only for private use since they cannot guarantee fast service and optimum functionality. If you are aiming for success, you have to pitch in for a credible web host since they are the ones that build a good foundation for any webpage. If you are having problems looking for a credible host, you can always get great tips from wikiHow.

Data Compression

The bigger the data, the slower it is to be transported to the server and to the audience who requested for the content. Hence, compressing the data and content in your site means faster communication between the server and the virtual audience. One of the best tools you can use to compress your data is GZip. What you’d use would depend on the type of server you have, and it is best that you ensure compatibility first before doing so, to ensure that you can gain advantage from data compression.

Reduce Redirects

URL redirects are a common part of any webpage, especially if there is a need for the virtual audience to be guided or redirected from an old page to a new one. This may be advantageous to the site, but multiple URL redirects may slow down your page to a snail’s pace, as every redirect accounts to extra HTTP requests and round-trip time. Therefore, use URL redirects only when they are necessary, and make sure to cut down on its usage.

Individually Host Assets

Even though this is not a must for every site, individually hosting assets of the web page like static scripts, web graphics, Cascading Style Sheets, and images could elicit enormous benefits when it comes to stabilizing the server. This is especially true during times when your page’s traffic suddenly spikes up.

Website Speed Optimization

Since online users get impatient in a matter of seconds, speeding up your page’s loading time can ensure your success in the virtual realm. Functionality, together with great content, can help you attract enormous traffic to your site without having the need to spend extravagantly. Remember, always give attention to small details as they could make or break your virtual success. Theresa Baiocco’s own website, ConversionMax, features several ways to boost optimization. If you want to hear more from her, you can view the entire webinar here.

Originally published October 23, 2014 - Updated April 15, 2019
Dennis van der Heijden
Co-founder and CEO of Convert.com, Dennis is a passionate community builder and out of the box thinker. He spends his time innovating to make Convert Experiences better. Learn about his journey as an entrepreneur and leader on the SaaS Club podcast.
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