Archived topic
Super Slow Site
3 replies · Started by Richard on September 30, 2021
Dear GP Staff,
I just built a GP site using the Donate site. Unfortunately, it's super duper slow. (SaintBernards.org). I did a pingdom test, which suggests photos are the main culprit, as well as the following:
Add Expires headers
Web pages are becoming increasingly complex with more scripts, style sheets, images, and Flash on them. A first-time visit to a page may require several HTTP requests to load all the components. By using Expires headers these components become cacheable, which avoids unnecessary HTTP requests on subsequent page views. Expires headers are most often associated with images, but they can and should be used on all page components including scripts, style sheets, and Flash.
Make fewer HTTP requests
Decreasing the number of components on a page reduces the number of HTTP requests required to render the page, resulting in faster page loads. Some ways to reduce the number of components include: combine files, combine multiple scripts into one script, combine multiple CSS files into one style sheet, and use CSS Sprites and image maps.
I'm wondering about a few things.
1. Could a possible solution include deleting the Elements I'm not using?
2. Have you run across this issue before with the Donate site?
Other possible solutions, please weigh in because I'm a NOOB, are:
1. Switching from Yahoo hosting because I've a hunch that's part of the problem. Was thinking Cloudways.
2. Using a Cloudflare DNS cache.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Richard,
For starters, you may want to consider installing an caching/optimization plugin and/or Asset cleanup plugin to the site.
Optimization plugins help you with things like merging CSS and JS assets so the site makes fewer HTTP requests. (as you mentioned)
It also tries to compress the file size of the assets so they load faster. It caches the assets as well so it's served more efficiently. :)
For the points you were wondering about:
1.) If elements, you meant "GP Elements, that doesn't affect the loading time of the page but that's good practice.
2.) Not 100% the same but quite a few similarities. The general solution is to use an optimization plugin as recommended and fine tune its settings to get the best possible performance.
For pondered possible solutions:
1. Switching from Yahoo hosting because I’ve a hunch that’s part of the problem. Was thinking Cloudways.
This may actually a good idea because your site currently has a very slow initial server response time. I'm not exactly sure which is the best one for you but atleast make sure the server you're using isn't using a shared server for multiple sites from different customers of the hosting service provider.
Ideally, you'd want to get a hosting plan where there's a dedicated server for your site.
2. Using a Cloudflare DNS cache.
This is fine to but do note that this requires extra effort as you have to maintain and check Cloudflare's side of things too. When you do changes on your site, keep in mind that you may have to clear Cloudflare's cache so you're 100% sure the latest revision is served by Cloudflare as well.
As for sharing tips, consider doing this as well:
Optimize your image. Try to use a smaller sized image file as much as possible as large image files take time to load.
Try to limit the number of font-family your site uses. Ideally, don't use more than 2 font families. You'd want to reduce the number of variants used as well. (use only what you need. remove the rest.)
Thanks much for the good ideas.
No problem. glad to be of any help. :D
