5 Ways to Improve Your Website’s Performance You’ve Probably Overlooked

Improving your website’s performance is an ongoing responsibility that involves constant research. Keeping track of important updates is essential, but sometimes we need to remember the fundamentals.

Revisiting the basics could be essential to earn a higher position on search engines. Here are a few strategies for your website’s performance that you may still need to look into.

Install an SSL Certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate enables data encryption between your website and those using it. It shows your customers that your website is verified and protected from hackers. Plus, search engines rank sites with SSL certificates higher.

According to SLL Insights, over 302 million SSL certificates were installed online as of January 2024. It shows a large interest of business owners in protecting their data.

SSL certificates are particularly useful for e-commerce companies because they collect customers’ private information. SSL encrypts all the information exchanged between companies and their customers, protecting both parties.

To find out if your website already has an SSL certificate, you can check the URL—if it begins with https://—your website is verified. If not, contact your web hoster for more information.

Focus on Data and Security

You should always prioritize data security and privacy. One way to do this is by using a reliable VPN service.

VPNs can be used for various reasons, from preventing ISP tracking to reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. Working on your website with a VPN protects you from malicious actors who want to steal your login details. Also, a VPN with threat protection can shield you from downloading any suspicious files on your device.

If you’re wondering how to use a VPN, it’s very easy. You just need to find a reliable provider, install the app, and you’re good to go.

Structure Your Content Around Long-Tail Keywords

According to Semrush, long-tail keywords make up most of Google searches. Optimizing your content accordingly will help your website get more clicks.

Long-tail keywords are targeted terms made up of three to five words, e.g., “best coffee in New York.” They’re very specific, so you can reach target groups searching for your products.

To find long-tail keywords, you’ll need to conduct in-depth keyword research and understand the searchers’ intent. Using your findings, you can craft content around what your potential customers are searching for.

Optimize Your Images

While images enhance user experience on a website, they can slow it down if their size is not optimized. The recommended image size is 200 kB or anything under that figure. It will ensure your site remains fast and efficient.

You can also add alt text (alternative text) to your images. This is a descriptive text that helps the search engine to index your images and rank them properly. Besides, alt text serves when images can’t be loaded and helps visually impaired visitors to know what’s on the screen.

Alt text is important because it can boost your rankings, as search engines see that you follow their policy.

Develop a Linking Strategy

Adding navigational and contextual links to your website facilitates smoother user experience. They help readers move from one page to the next at ease while also supporting SEO.

Navigational links are normally included below the header, footer or on the homepage’s sidebar. They show users the site’s main pages the owner wants them to see, e.g. product pages and contact us pages.

Contextual links should be embedded within the content. They lead users to related pages that explain the linked piece in more information.

What Have we Learned?

Keeping on top of the ranking game can be difficult—oftentimes, it’s trial and error and requires constant attention. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

By following our tips, you can establish solid foundations for growing website performance. It will help you to create a better experience for your users and improve SEO results. Keep consistency, and soon, you will drive more traffic without spending too much on paid ads.