WordPress is one of the most popular website building platforms, but to ensure an optimal user experience, it's important to optimize it for faster loading, increased security, and the inclusion of advanced technologies like Progressive Web App (PWA).
The first thing we need to do to technically optimize WordPress is to test our site for speed and performance. For this purpose we use one of the most widely used tools, namely PageSpeed Insights.
Is it possible to achieve the cherished goal of 100/100 points on the Google test? It is possible, but we have to be careful not to break the design and functionality of the site.
Desktop devices
Mobile
In the next article, we will look at the steps you can take to achieve these goals.
1. Image Caching and Optimization:
- Use caching to reduce page load times.
- Optimize your images before uploading them to the site through compression and resizing.
- Implement a modern format for WEBP images.
2. Using Content Delivery Network (CDN):
- Integrate a CDN to accelerate access to your site resources from different geographic locations.
3. Minification of CSS, JavaScript and HTML:
- Minify and merge CSS, JavaScript and HTML files to reduce their size and load time.
4. Using Lazy Loading:
- Turn on Lazy Loading for images and videos to load only when visible to the user.
5. Kesha Management:
- Use caching strategies and tools like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache to improve loading speed.
6. Progressive Web App (PWA) implementation:
- Add a manifest file and server worker to turn your website into a PWA, allowing it to work offline and provide an enhanced mobile experience. This allows the site to run in APP app on Android, iOS, Windows, thus meeting the requirements for universality and usability on all devices.
7. Site Security:
- Install an SSL certificate to encrypt the data between the user's browser and the server.
- Update WordPress and plugins regularly to limit the risk of malicious attacks.
8. Security Headers implementation:
- Add Security Headers such as Content Security Policy (CSP), Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS) and X-Content-Type-Options to enhance your site security. This step is important to submit your website and/or domain to an approved HSTS list. Google officially compiles this list and it is used by Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, IE11 and Edge.
9. Defense Against Bruteforce Attacks:
- Use plugins to protect against bruteforce attacks, such as Wordfence or Sucuri Security.
10. Regular Back-up:
- Perform systematic backups of your database and files to secure against potential information loss.
After following these steps, you will significantly improve the performance, security, and user experience of your WordPress website. Maintain regular updates and stay on top of new web development trends to keep your site up-to-date and secure.