HTML SEO: How to Improve Page Load Time

HTML SEO | Page Load Speed

HTML SEO: Why is it important?

Hypertext-Markup Language (HTML) was created to promote smooth sharing of documents over the internet. Over time, it has evolved and has become integrated and used by other technologies.


HTML can be implemented effectively to boost a website's SEO. Search engine optimization (SEO) improves a site visibility.


SEO does not only focus on generating high-ranking content on the web; in fact, but it also involves some technical aspects such as a website's loading speed.

HTML for SEO: Improving Page Load Time

Picture this, you are sitting at your desk, clicking through a link you found on Google, excited to read an article that could change your approach to your hobby or business. But then, you wait... and wait.

The page just won't load!

Frustrating, right? That's exactly what your website's visitors feel when the site takes too long to respond to them.

In today's digital world, speed matters more than anything and that is exactly why you should pay attention. 

Here is how you can improve your website's SEO game by adjusting some technical aspects of the site using only HTML.

But first...

Why Page Load Time Matters?

Page Load Time

At one point, we have experienced how a slow page is so frustrating. It's like standing in line at the post office on a Monday morning – it feels endless. 

According to Google, page loading speed matters for SEO because, let's face it, if Google's algorithm were a person, patience wouldn't be its virtue. 

Slow pages lead to higher bounce rates, which means you're waving goodbye to potential customers or readers before they even say "hello."

HTML Techniques for Faster Page Loads Optimize Images

Images are a crucial part of a website; they convey information and add a beautiful elegance to websites.

However, if images are not optimized, they also can slow down your site. Here's how to keep your visuals sharp without making your visitors wait.

Responsive Images with srcset

html

<img src="small-logo.jpg" srcset="small-logo.jpg 300w, medium-logo.jpg 600w, large-logo.jpg 1200w" alt="Our Company Logo">

This line of code lets the browser pick the right size image for the device, improving the loading speed.

Lazy Loading Images

html

<img src="placeholder.jpg" data-src="actual-image.jpg" alt="Beautiful landscape" loading="lazy">

This technique is like not loading assets of the website until you're ready for it or until they are needed, keeping the initial load light therefore improving the loading speed.

Minimize HTTP Requests

Many http requests may overload the server limiting the loading speed. To solve this, it is better to combine CSS and JavaScript and include them as single files in the main html code.

This ensures that when the code is run, only limited number of requests will be run, unlike when multiple files are included.

html

<link rel="stylesheet" href="one-style-to-rule-them-all.css"> <script src="script-of-scripts.js"></script>

Leverage Browser Caching

Like giving your guests a map to remember the way back, caching tells browsers to store files locally.

html

<meta http-equiv="Cache-Control" content="max-age=2592000">

Clean Up Unnecessary Code

Cutting down on the amount of code in your file can improve page load speed. Use tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights to see what can go.

Asynchronous Loading for Scripts

Scripts can automatically load, affecting speed. Use async or defer to let them load without interrupting it.

html

<script src="script.js" async></script> <script src="otherscript.js" defer></script>

Optimize Content Delivery

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is like having friends in different cities who can deliver your food faster. For more on CDNs, check out Cloudflare.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, SEO is about people. Speeding up your site through HTML optimization is like ensuring your front door is always open, your welcome mat is out, and your coffee is hot when someone visits. It's about creating an experience where users want to stay, return, and share. So, go ahead, make your website that fast, friendly neighbor everyone loves.