Slow pages

[casionmark]

We have a site with slow loading for some pages. From page insights 2 things stand out:

- Eliminate render blocking resources
- Avoid chaining critical requests18 chains found

Has anyone used WP Rocket to fix these kind of issues? Does it work? Or should we look at an alternative solution?

Thanks

[casionmark]

Realised this should go in SEO discussions. Not sure if I can move it.

[chaumi]

If you're not already doing simple stuff like minimizing CSS and JS (and/or deferring), lazy loading, etc etc then WP Rocket will do it for you, yes. It depends on what's really causing those heads up messages in PSI, but it's likely Rocket will help. As will several alternatives.

I tried a lot of stuff, and it was Rocket that finally made a sustained (so far) difference.

It (probably) won't fix everything, but it ought to give an improvement and a platform from which you can then nail other contributing factors.

Can't remember off top of my head, but they prob have a money back period if not happy. It's easy to activate, so really no reason not to try it.

*****

I think I have an unlimited sites deal, so you can use my license to test if they don't have a money back offer. Equally, i'd be happy to talk you through the settings (compared to mine) on a screen share if you're unsure about what you should do. Some settings could depend on what you have on the site, but many will be standard.

[casionmark]

Thanks thats really helpful. The site was built by a 3rd party so just in conversation with them regarding Rocket. Interestingly, GT Metrix doesn't report the same issues - in fact it has LCP as 1.2s, whereas page insights says 4s. Not sure what to make of that.

[chaumi]

They always vary. But my take on it (for right or wrong) is it's G you want to satisfy, so it's what their tool says that's counts most.

[Former Member 21]

We had a similar issue, and this is what we did: Code splitting (essential for breaking down large JavaScript files into smaller chunks, allowing the browser to parse and execute them more efficiently) Minifying CSS and JavaScript files (significantly reduces their size) Lazy loading non-critical resources. Also, shifting CPU-intensive tasks like image processing or data fetching to a separate thread prevents them from blocking the main thread and slowing down page loading.

[casionmark]

Thanks. I assume if the CSS and JS has come from plug-ins then you would need to have a good understanding of how it works to be able to break it up like that without messing up rendering of the page.

[chaumi]

Thanks. I assume if the CSS and JS has come from plug-ins then you would need to have a good understanding of how it works to be able to break it up like that without messing up rendering of the page.

This is part of the game, yes. WP Rocket (or several others) will do the basic stuff that 95-99% of the time won't bust the site. You then make a decision about how much further you want to go. You may be able to get Rocket to take you to a 90+ mobile score...at which point there's a strong enough argument that you can let the rest of it take a running jump (until or if the game changes).

There are certain optimizers that let you do stuff to CSS/JS on a page by page and what they do basis. (ie minify/defer, etc on whether they're required to make something happen). I'd say that's heading towards more complex territory (but still doable without deep technical skills, perhaps more on a trial and error basis, at least to a point).

ofc all this is about using a tool to make it easy. A skilled developer might know how to do all this stuff in the code.

[dannyx]

I have also been using WP Rocket for a long time and it seems to be one of the best plugins. I tested several others but WP Rocket gave the best results.

As for google speed data I wouldn't suggest it. I'm talking about these new indicators. In the old ones I had everything in green close to 100 points computer/mobile, likewise gtmetrix, and in the new google pointers I have in GSC on computer everything in red low, and mobile is good. You can see that this is totally unreasonable. I assume this was introduced not long ago, although a large percentage is still based on the same thing i.e. LCP and others, but it seems worth waiting until it stabilizes.

[universal4]

Optimize images before publishing them instead of having the server/plugin/custom app do it. (sometimes overlooked)

Rick
Universal4

[casionmark]

On the site I'm talking about we score well on GT Metrix. However, I read elsewhere that PageInsights simulates latency and older mobiles to give a more 'realistic' picture which is why there is discrepancy between the 2. I've seen pages in Search Console showing 'room for improvement', but none in the red, 'poor' zone. Overall though, just knocking 1s off the load time would significantly improve user experience and core vital scores.

[DaftDog]

If you're on a Litespeed server, then use the free Litespeed Cache plugin.

[FreeBet]

Litespeed is a decent option - used it for a long time and worked a charm. I'm now on WP Optimise (Free Version) and have a pretty decent page speed score. My advice, for what it's worth: shop around, try the free ones first but be careful with minifying anything as it's led to irreparable errors on previous sites before.

[DaftDog]

My advice, for what it's worth: shop around, try the free ones first but be careful with minifying anything as it's led to irreparable errors on previous sites before.

I'm a bit confused, how can minifying CSS and JavaScript cause irreparable damage? When you remove the minify settings and clear the cache, your site should return to its original state.

[FreeBet]

I'm a bit confused, how can minifying CSS and JavaScript cause irreparable damage? When you remove the minify settings and clear the cache, your site should return to its original state.

Cool, thanks for sharing. Don’t ask me, I’m speaking from experience not expertise. Maybe the theme I used was super monolithic didn’t like it or something so I couldn’t even login - this was about 6 years ago mind you, but hey, thanks for sharing a workaround.

[Koutsi]

If you're on a Litespeed server, then use the free Litespeed Cache plugin.

My recommendation also for Litespeed Cache. Top notch performance.