Slow Response Time

  • midlife mama

    (@midlife-mama)


    5 years, 6 months ago

    Back in 2016, my website averaged 26k visits a month. This past September, it’s down to 8k. I’m finally trying to figure out what is wrong.

    I used Google Page Speed to diagnose, and it said, slow response time, and that I need to “measure server response time.” I have no idea how to do that.

    GPS also said I have “21 blocking script resources and 11 blocking CSS resources.”

    It recommended that I “remove render blocking JavaScript”

    Can anyone explain in plain English to me what this all means? Sadly, I’m not a developer just a blogger so much of this is over my head.

    The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • aCstudent

    (@acstudent)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    I’m no expert on this, but I think in a nutshell it means your site is slow. Usually the easiest way to speed up a site is with a caching plugin, if you are not already using one. I like LiteSpeed Cache if your site is on a LiteSpeed server, otherwise Comet Cache. But those are just my preferences, other caching plugins have their fans too. An alternative to a caching plugin is CloudFlare’s free CDN service.

    There are a number of websites to measure your site speed, including the very popular Pingdom (tools.pingdom.com). In your case it looks like the biggest problem might be time-to-first-byte (although, again I am not an expert). This usually means your server, that is your web host, is the problem. So, you may want to consider moving to a faster web host when the opportunity arises.

    Thread Starter midlife mama

    (@midlife-mama)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    Thank you. Makes sense to me. I do have a caching plugin, WP Super Cache, but not sure I’m using it correctly.

    I’ve wondered if my problem could be my web host–I’m on a shared server with Blue Host. I’ll look into that further.

    Thanks for your help.

    portalultautv

    (@portalultautv)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    Use wp fastest cache and check all the settings boxes, on free version. It’s simple and the best speed on tests.

    Thread Starter midlife mama

    (@midlife-mama)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    @portalultautv: Will do! Thank you!

    Thread Starter midlife mama

    (@midlife-mama)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    Done!

    Now, thinking about my web host. I use a shared server through Blue Host. I’m considering upgrading to a dedicated server. Would that help with site speed?

    aCstudent

    (@acstudent)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    Probably, but it’s gonna be more expensive. If you are making $ from your site it may be worth it. I would first consider moving to a shared account at a faster host. Michael at https://researchasahobby.com/tag/hosting-performance-contest/ does a good job, I think, of checking speed and uptime. SiteGround, GeekStorage, and MDDHosting are consistently near the top.

    Thread Starter midlife mama

    (@midlife-mama)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting articles on Researchasahobby website.

    Everybody has a favorite hosting. Went to a WordCamp recently and everyone there had a favorite.

    What specs should I compare between my current host and a possible future hosting company?

    aCstudent

    (@acstudent)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    “Everybody has a favorite hosting” – yep. And in online reviews, favorite is often based on affiliate kickbacks. Really hard to know who to trust. I like that Researchasahobby uses real metrics. Michael does admit to accepting affiliate fees though, and only tracks a relative handful of the many available hosts. Still, it is the best information that I know of, and I think a great place to start. Webhostingtalk.com is also worth a look – it is opinion-based but mostly knowledgable honest opions. I would personally stay away from any host associated with EIG (see https://researchasahobby.com/full-list-eig-hosting-companies-brands/).

    Thread Starter midlife mama

    (@midlife-mama)

    5 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks. Very helpful.

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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