WP 4.1.1 Deployment – Improving Mobile Performance
Our WP 4.1.1 deployment included bug fixes, plugin updates and global changes to improve SEO and performance.
What We Learned From Auditing 20,000 Web Pages: Mobile Users Need Speed
We recently engaged with a third party to perform an SEO and Technology Audit, spanning more than 20,000 university web pages. It revealed valuable insights into how people use our websites and how we can improve their experience and our SEO. Over the next few months, we’ll share key takeaways.
Let’s start with a critical issue: mobile performance.
Mobile Users Make Up 41% of Our Traffic, But Large Images Are Slowing Them Down
While our websites perform well on desktop, page speed on mobile is significantly lagging. One of the biggest culprits is oversized images.
Slow-loading pages lead to higher bounce rates, lower engagement, and frustrated users. That’s why optimizing images is one of the fastest ways to boost performance.
3 Ways to Optimize Images
1. Use the Smallest Image That Fits Your Design
Don’t use a full-size image if a thumbnail will do. Our system automatically generates multiple image sizes — thumbnail, medium, large, and full. Choose the one that best fits the design.
2. Compress Images Before Uploading
Even a correctly sized image can be bloated. Tools like TinyJPG can reduce file size without sacrificing quality by stripping unnecessary metadata and using smart compression algorithms. Use it before uploading images.
3. Pick the Right Format
- Use JPG for most images
- Use PNG for any graphic that needs a transparent background.
Visit the WordPress Guide for detailed information about photo editing.
Final Thought: Speed = Satisfaction
Page speed isn’t just a technical benchmark; it’s a user experience priority. When pages load faster, users stay longer, engage more, and are less likely to bounce. If your content matters (and we believe it does), make sure it loads as fast as your users expect.
If you have questions or would like help in understanding how to speed up your web pages, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out using the Digital Request Form.
Categories: Deployment