Imagine a construction site where every bricklayer needs a separate permit to bring a brick to the wall. That’s essentially what happens when your website makes too many HTTP requests. Every file, image, and script requires a request, which can clog up the traffic and slow down your site.
HTTP Requests: The Roadblock to Website Speed
HTTP requests are the foundation of website loading. They’re the messages sent from your browser to the website’s server, asking for the various files that make up the page. But when the number of requests gets out of hand, it can cause a traffic jam that frustrates users and hurts your site’s performance.
Causes of HTTP Request Overload
The main culprits behind excessive HTTP requests are:
- Number of Files: Each image, CSS file, and JavaScript file on your page requires a separate request.
- File Size: Larger files take longer to transfer, increasing the time it takes to load each request.
Impact on User Experience: Why It Matters
A high number of HTTP requests can have a devastating impact on user experience:
- Long Load Time: Users get impatient when they have to wait for your site to load, leading to increased bounce rates.
- Disruptive Experience: Mobile users are particularly affected, as they have to wait for all the files to download before the page appears.
Recommended Number of HTTP Requests: Aim for Efficiency
According to Google, the optimal number of HTTP requests for a webpage is between 10 and 30. However, the median number of requests in March 2019 was between 69 and 75. This indicates that many websites are still struggling with HTTP request overload.
Steps to Reduce HTTP Requests: The Road to Faster Loading
Follow these steps to streamline your HTTP requests and improve website speed:
- Grade Website Performance: Use HubSpot’s Website Grader to assess your site’s overall health, including HTTP requests.
- Check HTTP Requests: Use Google Chrome’s Network panel to determine the number of requests made by a webpage and identify which files are taking the longest to load.
- Remove Unnecessary Images: Eliminate images that don’t add value to the page, especially large images.
- Reduce Image File Size: Compress images to reduce their file size, aiming for less than 100 KB per image. Use tools like Squoosh or TinyPNG.
- Load JavaScript Asynchronously: Allow JavaScript content to load concurrently by setting it to “asynchronous.” This prevents render blocking and improves user experience.
- Evaluate Other Page Elements: Identify other page elements, such as videos or integrations, that contribute to page load time.
- Combine CSS Files: Reduce HTTP requests by combining multiple CSS files into one.
Bonus: Additional Tips for HTTP Request Optimization
- HubSpot’s COS automatically resizes and compresses images.
- Use plugins like jQuery to optimize JavaScript loading on WordPress.
- Combine CSS files whenever possible, even if they appear in different HTML code sections.
Conclusion
Reducing HTTP requests is a crucial step towards improving website speed and user experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can optimize your website’s performance and keep your visitors engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a good number of HTTP requests for a webpage?
Aim for between 10 and 30 HTTP requests per webpage.
How can I check the number of HTTP requests made by my webpage?
Use Google Chrome’s Network panel to determine the number of requests and identify the files that are taking the longest to load.
What is the impact of excessive HTTP requests on user experience?
A high number of HTTP requests can lead to long load times, which frustrates users and increases bounce rates.
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