How does our Website Speed Test Tool work?
Our Website Speed Test Tool is based on the Google PageSpeed Insights Tool. This tool provides insight into site speed and takes into account various elements, each with their own effects. It examines how fast the website loads, but also how soon people can click on page elements and how long certain elements keep shifting on the page.
What is the importance of a fast website?
A fast website is very important to prevent website visitors from leaving out of irritation. They will most likely close a page quickly if they have to stare at a white screen for a long time, but other issues like constantly shifting elements and a website that is slow in responding to interaction are factors that increase the bounce rate as well. So in order to keep people on your website, you want to increase your site speed in every aspect.
What is the ideal site speed?
In the past, site speed guidelines suggested a site speed of about 2 to 3 seconds; nowadays, according to Google, it’s more like 1 to 2 seconds. Mobile website users in particular are often in a hurry, which means they will leave a slow page all the sooner. Therefore, we recommend that you always aim for the fastest possible website.
The results explained
When you enter a URL into our site speed tool, you will see a list of different results. Each of these results affects your site speed as a whole, but the way users react to them differs. Below we explain how you should interpret the results of our tool.
First Contentful Paint (FCP)
First Contentful Paint (FCP) refers to the time it takes for your website to display the first text or image. Learn more
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) refers to the speed at which the largest piece of content on a page fully loads. This can be text or an image, although an image will generally take longer and affect your overall site speed. Learn more
Site Speed Index
The Speed Index shows how long it takes before the entire content on a page is rendered. At this point, the website is usable for readers, but not necessarily for other interactions. Learn more
Time to Interactive (TTI)
Time to Interactive (TTI) refers to the amount of time it takes for a page to become fully interactive. Users can click on elements and use the page as they wish. Learn more
Total Blocking Time
The Total Blocking Time is the sum of all periods between FCP and TTI where the task length exceeds 50ms. During this time, elements are visible, but cannot be clicked on. Learn more
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) refers to the time in which visible elements within direct view still move around the screen. This can cause website visitors to misclick, become frustrated and leave. Learn more
First Input Delay (FID)
First Input Delay (FID) refers to the time it takes for a browser to actually respond to a user interaction. The elements are already interactive (TTI), but the browser is not yet able to respond to them.
Site speed as part of SEO
Site speed is one of the many factors that influence the organic ranking of a website in Google. In general, the websites with the highest rankings are also the fastest websites. The reason for this is that Google wants to provide user value, and users are less inclined to stay on a slow website (which indirectly makes that website less valuable). Site speed therefore plays an important role in search engine optimisation (SEO).
Site speed as part of SEA
Site speed also affects paid advertising (SEA): the faster your web pages load, the better the quality score of your Google Ads account will be. This is also about creating user value; users are less likely to purchase a product if the product page loads slowly, so Google takes this into account when evaluating ads.
Need help increasing your website speed?
Our Website Speed Test Tool can give you a clear picture of the overall speed of your website and the aspects that influence it. However, chances are that you will also want to apply this knowledge in practice in order to optimise your website. You could figure all of this out yourself, but you could also leave it to the experts! Our SEO consultants are happy to advise you on the various ways to increase your site speed. Request a free, no-obligation audit with us and discover the possibilities.
