This guide breaks down key factors affecting speed scores and how to interpret them.
Key Performance Factors
1. Page Load Performance & Rendering
One of the most significant factors in page speed is how quickly visible content appears for users. Your page speed results may highlight delays caused by:
Third-party scripts and telemetry loading too early – If scripts load before key content, they can slow down the page. Consider deferring non-essential scripts until after the main content has loaded.
Large hero images or videos – A single oversized hero image or video can slow the page’s Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), making it feel sluggish.
What to look for in your results:
High LCP times indicate that your most prominent visual element is taking too long to appear.
Layout shifts may suggest that images or videos are loading in a way that disrupts the page structure.
How to improve:
Optimize hero images by using compressed file formats like WebP.
Break large images into smaller sections that load progressively.
If using a video background, consider a cross-fade approach with an image placeholder instead of relying solely on a slow-loading video.
2. Caching & Asset Handling
Caching ensures that returning visitors don’t have to reload the same assets every time they visit your page. If your page speed results mention caching concerns, it’s essential to verify what’s already in place.
What to check:
Shogun assets are fingerprinted and updated regularly, meaning they won’t be unnecessarily reloaded unless a change is made.
Images are automatically cached, but are they optimized? Ensure images are the correct size—large enough to avoid pixelation, high enough quality to prevent artifacts, and in a compressed format that balances performance and visual clarity.
How to improve:
Audit image selections to confirm they are optimized for both quality and speed.
Ensure caching rules are set correctly for images and static assets.
3. JavaScript & CSS Execution
Excessive JavaScript execution can delay a page’s interactivity and responsiveness. If your page speed results show high JavaScript or CSS execution times, it’s important to review potential optimizations.
What to check:
Total JavaScript bundle size – If it’s excessive, consider reducing unnecessary scripts.
Unused CSS or JavaScript – Your results may flag old or unnecessary code that adds to execution time.
How to improve:
Minify and optimize JavaScript and CSS files.
Remove unused code where possible.
Load critical CSS inline and defer non-essential stylesheets.
4. Third-Party Apps & Scripts
While third-party scripts can enhance functionality, they can also slow down your site. Many pages load a large number of external apps and services, which affects performance.
What to check:
Are all third-party scripts essential? Audit the apps and services being loaded to determine if they are truly needed.
When are scripts loading? If they are being loaded too early, they could be blocking key content from appearing quickly.
How to improve:
Review and remove any unnecessary third-party apps.
Delay or defer non-essential scripts so they don’t interfere with the initial page load.
Final Thoughts
Page speed results provide valuable insights into how well your site loads and performs, with third-party scripts often being the biggest culprit behind slowdowns. Removing unused scripts and regularly auditing the assets and apps on your site can significantly improve speed and enhance the user experience.