What is Page Speed?
Definition
Page speed is the measure of how quickly a web page's content loads and becomes interactive for users, affecting both search rankings and user experience.
Why page speed matters
Page speed matters because slow pages drive users away. Studies consistently show that conversion rates drop as load times increase, with significant abandonment occurring after just a few seconds of waiting.
Page speed is a confirmed Google ranking factor, particularly through Core Web Vitals. Faster pages have a competitive advantage in search results, especially on mobile where connection speeds vary.
Beyond rankings and conversions, page speed reflects overall site quality. Fast-loading pages signal a well-maintained, user-focused website that values visitor experience.
Key concepts and types
- •Core Web Vitals
Google's key metrics for page experience: LCP (loading), FID (interactivity), and CLS (visual stability). - •Time to First Byte (TTFB)
How quickly the server begins sending data after a request. - •Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
Time until the largest visible element loads, measuring perceived load speed. - •First Input Delay (FID)
Time until the page responds to user interaction. - •Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
How much page content moves unexpectedly during loading.
Common misconceptions
- ✕Page speed only matters for mobile
- ✕A fast homepage means the whole site is fast
- ✕Page speed tools show what users actually experience
- ✕You need a perfect score to rank well
- ✕Page speed is the most important ranking factor
Related terms
FAQs
What's a good page speed score?
Aim for LCP under 2.5 seconds, FID under 100 milliseconds, and CLS under 0.1. PageSpeed Insights scores above 90 are excellent, but focus on real user experience over scores.
How do you improve page speed?
Optimize and compress images, minimize JavaScript and CSS, enable browser caching, use a CDN, reduce server response times, and eliminate render-blocking resources.
Does page speed affect SEO significantly?
Page speed is a ranking factor, but content relevance and quality typically matter more. However, at competitive margins, speed can be the difference between ranking positions.