SEO At The Speed Of Light
Hey, you know those sci-fi shows like Star Trek where they hit “warp speed” and shoot through space like a bullet at the speed of light?
Well, most sites are moving at “turtle speed” instead.
When you visit these websites it takes them 20-30 seconds to load. You get bored, you get frustrated, you see something shiny and click away. And your readers are doing the same every time they visit your sites too.
What does this have to do with SEO?
You see, the longer it takes your visitors to your site in the first place, the less visitors you get. Which means, less pages views, clicks and time spent on your site. Which essentially means you’re losing half of your web traffic by making it hard for your readers to see your content.
Back in the “old days” of the Interweeble…
Now, this used to be a huge problem in the “old days” of Internet marketing. Because back then the most important thing you could do to improve your site was to speed up your load times.
But today we’ve grown so accustomed to fast computers, quick loading web pages and high-speed Internet. It’s easy to forget that half the world does not have high-speed internet or a modern computer to “surf it”.
The truth is, a lot of people are using the 2010 equivalent of Commodore 64s (an old type of computer). And a lot of people are stuck with substandard Internet access. Some people are using WiFi connections in bookstores, restaurants, or Internet Cafes. Others are quite literally “surfing the interweb” with a rusty coat-hanger and a can of Pringles. I kid you not…
The point is…
Make your website load faster and you’re automatically going to increase the amount of traffic you’re getting. Or at the very least, the amount of traffic that stays on your site more than a nanosecond.
How can you fix this problem?
#1 Visit your website from somebody else’s computer. Or take that old rusty computer from your basement, put on rubber gloves and plug it in. Assuming it can actually connect to the Internet through black magic or a modem, you’re all set.
#2 “How fast is you web page loading?” If your site taking more than 20-30 seconds then your website basically doesn’t exist. Nobody will stick around that long without clicking the “back” button. You need to fix this problem pronto.
Here’s a quick checklist…
- Resize your pictures – big pictures take time to load.
- Remove Google Ads from you site – ads take time to load.
- Use lower quality video – videos take time to load.
- Try a different template – some templates take forever to load.
- Remove the whizbang widgets – some widgets take ages to load.
- And anything else that might be slowing you down…
Basically, log in to your website and rip out everything that could be slowing your site down or get somebody who knows how (the Pizza Boy) to do that for you.
Because this is serious stuff. If your site isn’t loading properly, forget about leads or making money online, nobody will even read your content in the first place.
But, hit the warp speed and you’re ready to roll… or errrm… fly, I guess?
There’s actually a few plugins that help with this too, but I haven’t reviewed them yet, so I didn’t want to recommend them myself.
Maybe, you’re using one right now? By all means, share your recommendations below.
I’m sure that would really help some people out.
See you soon,
Jason The “Better Networker”
The Jason Better Blog
P.S. Linking: Hey, if you want to link to this post, or any other post on the Jason Better Blog that’s totally cool. You don’t need to ask permission. 
Jerome Ratliff, wrote a great article a while back I thoroughly enjoyed, but I only noticed it by checking my links. Here’s Jerome Ratliff’s article on Better Networker.
It’s also a great strategy to use when you want to get the attention of an industry leader too. Ferny Ceballos has a video on Better Networker that talks about this strategy – it’s called: Social SEO.
46 Comments
Wayne Vassell on March 4th, 2010
Hey J,
I guess with the reliance on super fast broadband connections it is easy to assume this will not be an issue.
But, good point, others may have slower connections and get frustrated.
Point taken, and good post.
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Totally,
You’re everywhere Wayne.
I keep seeing you pop-up. 
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 11:10 am
(Ha) – I try to be J
Gotta keep putting the hours in
[Reply]
Dwayne Huggins on March 4th, 2010
Hey J
Great post
Sometimes my mind – takes time to load (ha)
Anyway. Speed is something I keep in mind when I am doing my blog.
I do check from other computers and browsers and lately smart / mobile phones! (check out my post on it).
This is a minor thing which if not addressed can cause major problems – NO READERS!
Thanks for sharing
Dwayne
[Reply]
Josh Garcia on March 4th, 2010
Hey Jason,
This is good information! Turtle speed..LOL
I knew pictures and videos affect the load time of the page. That is why I try not to post to much videos on my blog. I’m going to check out Jerome and Ferny’s info.
Chat with you later…
Josh
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Love that video too.
Probably one of my all time fave
Better Networker videos.
[Reply]
Mitcehll Dillman on March 4th, 2010
You know what Jason,
Sometimes it feels like I’m back in school…learning something new everyday I tune in…
Thanks for your continuous supply of Money Making Information! The tricks, tips and techniques just keep on comin’ on…
And, on top of that…I just checked out the video about how to recycle your Pringles cans to surf the web and you know what?
Between your suggestions, Jason, to get some “Job-Site” videos, and watching this video, it’s got me thinking…Hmmm…
I’ll keep you posted
Later,
Mitcell Dillman
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Before you know it, you’ll be installing
cans of Pringles on rooftops.
It’s crazy, people are already doing that to
boost their signals for other people. Makes me
wonder how the Internet companies look at
that.
[Reply]
Hollis Chapman on March 4th, 2010
Great tips Jason, i will check my website from another computer.
Hollis
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Hey Hollis,
Or even try another browser. You might
be surprised. It’s often a quick way to check
every change you make on you blog.
Sometimes videos will display on one and not
another browser. Or colors will change.
It’s crazy.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on March 4th, 2010
Very valuable info, Jason. Thanks!
My, how we do take things for granted. I used to check my sites in different browsers back when I designed them myself, but now I’m using templates. Got lazy. Or busy
Great point though that some people are still stuck in “turtle speed.” I talked to a lady the other day who was on dial up and had NO speakers.
Wow!!
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I was just thinking about this yesterday
too.
I remember checking my sites on
explorer, safari, and on both a PC and Mac
just to make sure.
I was blown away by how “buggy” sites can
actually be without you ever seeing it.
Totally worth getting into the habit of
checking again.
[Reply]
Richard Walsh on March 4th, 2010
Very useful info Jason. My site is fast so no prob there I’m setting up a new blog and will implement these check points, thanks.
[Reply]
Rhonda Miller on March 4th, 2010
Jason,
I love how you can implement humor into a serious subject:) Works everytime!!
I am going to check my website from another computer.
Can I just say Google Chrome? I’m embarrassed to say I fought my sponsor on this b/c I didn’t want to add anything else to my computer. This web browser has shaved years off my stress life. LOL
(I didn’t happen to mention my sponsor is Ferny, did I:) See why I’m embarrassed?
Looking forward to tomorrow’s wealth of information:)
Rhonda
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
It’s okay, I won’t tell Ferny… but
start following his advice.
You rebel you.
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Whew, thanks Jason. I know – it has it’s good and bad points:}
I made a new year’s resolution to start listening instead of re-inventing and I’m still sticking to that “diet”.
It’s amazing how many sleepless nights you can lose on this diet. LOL
[Reply]
The MLM Cowboy on March 4th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I’ve been watching you for about 4 months I think.
I have thrown away thousands of emails , but I always kept Jasons. Kinda like a good movie . Anyway,I actually started paying attention and you are one cool dude. ( I know thats not my cowboy voice)
I just rode into town, I think I left a message or two. Just wanted to let you know you are my Roy Rogers of the internet.
You can work on my ranch anytime you need a job, besides , I’m a lot of fun!
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on March 4th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Great point — I know I haven’t given much thought to this, but you’re right.
(I know I don’t have any patience anymore for slow-moving websites, so why should my readers?)
[Reply]
shirland on March 4th, 2010
As usual Jason you give information that you don’t think about on a regular basis. The first quarter is truly the best time to make sure all of your website, blogs etc. are working properly.
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Definitely,
Because after a few months it’s going
to get really hard to tell what’s slowing
a blog down or acting “buggy”.
Another reason to make sure your
designer/programmer is a good one.
[Reply]
Eric McMillan on March 4th, 2010
Jason,
You struck a chord man. Took Ray and Ferny’s course and my online marketing life hasn’t been the same. Hey, but don’t give out to many secrets. I kinda like being ahead of the curve.
Another great post,
Eric McMillan
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Hey,
Good job. Those two are always over delivering.
And Ferny practically dominates Better Networker if
you look over the popular content there. No better
people to learn from.
[Reply]
Peter Grimes on March 4th, 2010
Jason,
Great post and excellent comments from everyone
Sometimes a little maintenance goes a long way (right Mitchell?)
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Good day Peter
I look forward to the comments every
morning. Starts my day off right.
[Reply]
John Rothstein on March 5th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Great post. The amazing thing is that I lived in Thailand for 8 years and had an online art gallery. That was during the days of dial up too. How quickly I forgot about all the people who do not have access to a super fast internet connection. Awesome advice.
John Rothstein
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Honestly,
I forget all about this concept too. It was
so basic five years ago that people would
have laughed at me.
Now almost nobody is talking about the speed
of websites. Weird how common becomes uncommon
advice fast.
[Reply]
Derek Fobert on March 5th, 2010
Hi, Jason. Interesting tips.
This is all new to me. It is amazing how a little fine tuning can make an Internet World of a difference. I know I’ve had a good day when I learn something new… and today I have learned something new. Thanks for the great value, Jason.
Now I shall move into light speed!
Live Long… And Prosper!
Derek
[Reply]
March 5th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Hey Derek,
I bet the wed designers are laughing at me
for even bringing this one up because they
live and breathe it, but for the rest of us, it’s
something we don’t see mentioned often enough,
[Reply]
Linus Ruzicka on March 5th, 2010
Jason,
Wanted to post along a plug-in (that honestly I haven’t tested yet), but claims to speed up your WP blog load time by using strictly HTML and no .PHP code.
It is called “WP Super Cache”
I just loaded it up on my blog and will see how it all works.
It is supposedly a great plug in for first time visitors, and people that have never left comments on you blog before.
here is the link: http://ocaoimh.ie/wp-super-cache/
God Bless,
Linus Ruzicka
[Reply]
Jeff Faldalen on March 5th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Of course another great article! I look forward to reading the one Jerome wrote.
This has been a topic since the web was launched, but it is always good to be reminded.
I heard a stat the other day that really told how infant the web still is. Over 30% of people in the US are not even on the internet.
Being sensitive to how face the page loads is great advice.
Like you said…
you only have seconds to get their attention and then shazam they are gone
I really appreciate your knowledge,
Jeff Faldalen
PS People can learn a lot from your example
[Reply]
March 6th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Hey Jeff,
Totally. The only problem is that it’s
so obvious most people forget to check.
[Reply]
Kellie on March 12th, 2010
I have tons of widgets loaded on my blog but I have that Super cache plugin and that has made a big difference in load time for me. Funny thing about it though is I’ve made changes that I don’t automatically see but can have my daughter pull it up on her computer (still loads fast) but the changes will show up for her. Not sure if that has anything to do with the widgets or not but at lease I’m certain that I’m not loading at turtle speed. Thanks so much for letting me know I needed to check it from another computer, I would have never thought that would make a difference.
[Reply]
March 12th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Hey Kellie,
It totally makes a difference.
Mac vs PC
Netscape vs Firefox
It can be a really big deal… but not as
bad as it was even five years ago when
everybody had to do their own
coding. 
[Reply]
Internet Marketing Online – Advertising For Small Business | Internet Marketing Advertising on July 30th, 2010
[...] that a particular business functions, the less online competition they will have. This will allow a Search Engine Optimized website to generate them traffic with very little marketing [...]
Anthony on October 2nd, 2011
Another great tip! Thanks Jason, your website is a monstrous resource library full of value. I thoroughly enjoy visiting and learn something new every time. Not only do I learn from what you post, but also how you post (copy writing etc). Thanks for adding to my growing skill set.
[Reply]
Internet Marketing Online – Advertising For Small Business … | All About Small Business on December 16th, 2011
[...] that a particular business functions, the less online competition they will have. This will allow a Search Engine Optimized website to generate them traffic with very little marketing [...]
Thanks J for the recognition. REALLY appreciate it!
You know when you write posts about SEO, you have my undivided attention.
It didn’t even occur to me to do some the recommended fixes like, checking my site from other computers. I’m going go and do that right now.
Thanks again J. Looking forward to what you have in store for tomorrow.
Have an awesome day!
Jerome Ratliff
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Man,
You totally have to check your site from
other computers, web browsers, and even
using different internet connections.
You would be terrified if you saw what some
websites actually look like in some of the
popular browsers.
If they even load at all.
[Reply]