Website speed is important for e-businesses, but more than a few online marketers are not aware of its full impact, and some even believe half-truths or, worse, complete lies about it, much to their disadvantage.
For instance, many online marketers focus more on improving their site layout and content than site speed when they want to improve customer engagement.
Are you doing the same?
Are you aware that slow page load times can cause viewers to leave a site even before they have had a chance to check out the home page or read its content?
Surprised?
Here are some facts straight from hostingtrbunal.com, expert hosting reviewers, that prove just that.
- When the page load time increases from 1 second to 5 seconds, the bounce rate probability increases by 90%
- When the page load time increases to 10 seconds, the bounce rate probability increases by 123%
In short slow site speed means high bounce rate, which in turn spells bad news for customer engagement. But that’s not all. When the bounce rate increases, other important factors for your online success take a hit too.
So what are other half-truths regarding website speed that might be hurting your business?
Here are 3 most common misconceptions about site page load time.
1. Heavy Images Don’t Delay Page Load Time
This is absolutely wrong. Bulkier images can slow page loading, particularly on mobile devices, which take more time to process heavy images than desktops.
Mobile users don’t like slow sites just as much as desktop users. According to a report, 74% of smartphone users will not think twice before abandoning a site that takes more than 5 seconds to load on their mobiles.
To speed up your mobile site, we recommend you use a mobile-friendly theme for it or hire an agency for mobile website development. Such a theme will ensure that your web pages are seamlessly adapted to smaller screens.
2. Site Speed Is Less Important For eCommerce Sites Than Other Sites
You couldn’t be more wrong. When it comes to site speed in e-commerce, the slow and steady has no takers.
A slow site can lead to fewer sales, negatively affect your brand image, cause your existing customers to take their business to your competitors, and make it difficult for you to gain new customers.
In short slow page, loading can cause much damage to your online store. However, the good thing is that you stand to reap great benefits if you get your site speed up. For instance, AliExpress managed to increase their orders by 10.5% and win 27% more new customers when they improved page load time by 36%.
3. Site Speed Doesn’t Affect Your Ranking on Google Search Results Page
This is not true. As shown above, slow sites tend to have a high bounce rate. For Google, high bounce rate is an indication of a lack of relevant content. Because in its search results page, Google likes to give preference to sites which have more relevant content, your rankings are likely to drop if you don’t address the bounce rate issue.
What are the other things that get impacted by slow page load time?
To know the latest facts concerning site speed and its impact on business, check out this informative and fact-packed infographic.
