Search engines measure a website’s page speed in two ways. One way is by “page load time,” which is the amount of time it takes for a web page to load its content entirely. The second-way search engine measures a website’s page speed is known as “time to first byte,” the amount of time it takes for the web browser to receive the “first byte” from the webserver.
Therefore you need to keep both in mind for your small business website. At Orange Coast Websites, we can prevent a slow website page load. Contact us to help with your website page speed.
How Does Google Measure Page Speed?
Since Google is the leader in search engines, you want to tailor your website to how Google measures page speed. Google will focus on three things that lag on a website. Here is how Google measures page speed:
- Page Load Time: How long it takes for your web page to load.
- Execution Speed or Load Time: The time it takes for images to load to how quickly someone clicks on a call-to-action button.
- Page Timing: How long it takes for the browser to allow user interaction on your website.
Search engines will likely mimic the way Google measures a website’s page speed. Thus, you need to ensure that your website page speed adheres to how Google measures page speed, and your website will index well with other search engines.
Why Should Small Business Website Owners Care About Page Speed?
Not only as a savvy small business owner but as an online customer yourself, you know that time is of the essence when searching for a product. You will likely get the same response from consumers shopping or searching online; they do not like to wait. For that reason alone, is why small business website owners should care about page speed. However, there is even more of a reason to care in recent years.
In 2018, Google announced that they were factoring website page speed not only into their search algorithm but for Google Ads, as well. Google highly emphasizes mobile searches, but since all websites should have a responsive design, it applies to websites, period.
Users who have a slow experience are less likely to buy from the website or revisit the site. If your website does not load in three seconds or less, then users will jump ship. You need to be aware of your website’s performance or ensure that your web developer keeps it in mind when crafting your website.
Website Hosting Affects Your Page Speed
Unfortunately, where you host your small business website will affect your page speed and is often overlooked. Many business owners opt for cheap hosting sites that are often overpriced and lack quality. Before you commit to a hosting site for your website, do some research. For example, find other sites that use the hosting service, and see how long it takes for the page to load.
You want to discuss the purpose of your website and web design ideas with your web developer. When you do, ask if what you envision for your website will interrupt the website page speed? If so, you need to work with your developer to meet in the middle to keep your website in Google’s good graces while remaining true to your company’s vision. Choose your hosting service wisely, so you do not have to deal with the wrath of not having your website seen in search results.
Have Orange Coast Websites Check Your Website Page Speed, Orange County!
At Orange Coast Websites, we want to work with you to ensure that your company stands out without being penalized. Therefore, our team takes the way search engines measure page speed earnestly.
Do not leave the state of your small business website in the land of the unknown. Our team keeps you informed about your website, its areas of improvement, and which web pages excel. Let us apply the best practices to your new or existing Orange County website! We want to create a feeding frenzy of fast page loads for search engines to gobble up. Contact us today!
