What is Google PageSpeed Insights Optimization
PageSpeed Insights, also known as PSI, is an online Google tool that evaluates the loading speed of a web page.
Entering a URL and hitting “Analyze” will quickly get you a detailed report of what’s slowing that web page based on two parameters, complete with recommendations on how to fix it.
Page Speed Insights measures and evaluates the performance score of a page for mobile devices and desktop devices. It fetches the URL twice, once with a mobile user-agent, and once with a desktop-user agent.
This makes PSI an intuitive and simple-to-use solution, not to mention it’s free.
Google then provides an overall score out of 100, based on several performance monitoring best practices. Google PageSpeed Insights score along with this result and you’ll also see several Recommendations from Google on how to improve your performance and therefore, your PageSpeed Insights score as well.
How Google Uses PageSpeed Insights
In addition to influencing your site’s User Experience (UX), the performance also plays a role in SEO. Given that PageSpeed Insights is run by the world’s largest and most popular search engine, it stands to reason that your score might have some effect on your Search Engine Results Page (SERP) rankings and at least on Google itself.
The reality is that Google does use PageSpeed Insights to determine rankings. Site speed is a ranking factor. Your performance test score can give you a pretty good idea of where you stand on that front.
However, Google takes into consideration more than just the number in the circle at the top of your Load Speed results. Hitting a 100/100 won’t guarantee you a top spot on the SERPs.
What is Website Performance?
Website performance measures how quickly the pages of a website load and display in the web browser. Web performance optimization is the practice of improving website performance by various methods as faster websites are said to be higher-performing.
Good website performance is a cornerstone of any successful website because it’s the first event that all visitors experience. First impressions influence how users feel about a website, its associated business, and its organization.
User Experience
No matter what techniques an online business may use to boost performance, the ultimate goal is always improving the user experience (UX). All website design choices should foster a positive UX, and speed is no exception.
So, how fast is fast enough for a good experience?
There’s no definitive benchmark for how fast a website must be. There have been multiple numbers thrown around, anywhere from five seconds down to half a second, but perhaps the most influential opinion comes from Google.
Why care about page speed?
There is a multitude of reasons why you should care about page speed and loading time. Everything from ranking higher in Google search results to providing your visitors with a better user experience, thus increasing conversions, all comes into play. It’s worth reiterating that as web page load times increase, so does the likelihood of your visitors bouncing.
The other factor that should influence your approach to speed optimization is the perceived performance of your site. Your visitors don’t care what your Google PageSpeed Insights score is. They just want to be able to view your content as quickly as possible.
Don’t obsess over the 100/100 Performance Metrics. A lot of people try and strive for that 100/100 perfect score on Google PageSpeed Insights. Some do it because they are trying to speed up their site and others because a client is demanding they meet this metric. It is important to take some time and think about why we are trying to achieve that 100/100 Speed score. Don’t think of it solely from a metric point of view. The whole reason Google developed PageSpeed Insights was as a guideline on best web performance practices to provide recommendations to optimize your site and by following the guidelines, hopefully, you will achieve a faster website.
Why Choose Us?
We’re performance experts and we take pride in delivering outstanding customer experience and user experience, too. We believe in building long-term relationships with clients because happy customers mean repeat business. Our team works hard to understand your needs and implement strategies that will grow your online presence.
Feel free to email or call us and find out what we can do for you. We are motivated to offer a consultation for your requirements. Let’s work together on AMAZING content.
