Simple Ways to Make Your Blog Load Faster on Mobile Devices

Websites that are optimized for mobile devices usually differ from the desktop version. For example, there are fewer pictures, fewer ads, less text on the sides, and various other things. But this isn’t the only (or most effective) way of optimizing a website for all devices.

Let’s take a look at all the ways to optimize and speed up your website for mobile devices.

Measure and minimize server response time

There are several useful tools to measure server response time, and if you’re looking to speed up your website for everyone, this type of tool is a must-have. Response time must be short, if not instant. How many times have you visited a website only to have to wait 20-30 seconds for it to load? Many, if you’ve been using the Internet extensively.

Everyone hates those websites because there’s no reason for a website to load that slow. Dial-up Internet is dead, so why do website owners not care about server response time?

Working on speeding up your server response time will encourage visitors to stay on your site longer.

Load images through CSS

Images are one of the biggest issues when it comes to website loading speed. If you don’t optimize them, your traffic will dwindle. You should incorporate responsive website design, with images that adjust automatically according to the user’s screen size. Also, load images through CSS to speed up loading even further. Adjusting their size helps keep load times minimal.

Additionally, use tools that compress the images without affecting quality. This will decrease the server load time.

Avoid or minimize redirects

Redirects happen when people want to ‘force’ the user to another website or web location. In most cases, you’ll be asked if it’s okay to redirect, but there are cases where it’s automatic. It’s worth noting that some websites incorporate ads to which you are automatically redirected from the website. This slows down the load time.

Try to avoid redirecting altogether as it is slow and unnecessary. If the user is already on your blog, there’s no need to redirect him further.

Remove default blogger widgets

Almost all the widgets that come with a fresh blog (and use JavaScript) are resource hogs. Even though you might use them occasionally, they are way too slow to be constantly used. It’s best to get rid of them completely and instead get widgets that will be useful and not use up all of your server’s resources.

Use Gzip compression to reduce file size

Gzip compression uses Lempel-Ziv code, which compresses files through deflate mode. It’s a quick way to reduce file size while retaining the original quality of the file. Gzip compression is becoming more and more prevalent in the blogging industry, mainly because it lowers loading times drastically.

These methods of lowering load times are nothing new, but to an inexperienced website owner and blogger, they’re something crucial.

** About the Author: Bill Brown is a blogger and writer at Web Hosting Plan Guide. He’s interested in technology, web hosting and reviews.