Render-blocking resources (CSS, JavaScript) delay page display until they load. Optimize by inlining critical CSS, deferring non-critical JavaScript, and using async loading to improve page speed scores.
Ever get annoyed when you go to a website and it just sits there, loading slowly, with a blank screen? I know that feeling. It is frustrating for users, and it is a major problem for your SEO. I am here to tell you about something called render-blocking resources. I have been in this game for 15 years, and I have learned that fixing this is one of the easiest ways to improve your site’s performance and rankings. I am going to explain exactly what are render-blocking resources and give you some simple, actionable tips to make your website lightning-fast. You will walk away knowing how to create a website that not only ranks high but also keeps visitors happy and engaged.
So, what are render-blocking resources? They are files like JavaScript and CSS that your web browser has to load and process before it can show your website to a user. When these files are too big or in the wrong place, they can “block” the page from loading. This is a big problem because it makes your website feel slow to both your users and to Google, which can hurt your rankings.
Google’s main goal is to give users a great experience. A fast-loading website is a major part of that. When you fix your render-blocking resources, you are telling Google that your website is a high-quality resource that is fast and easy to use. This can lead to a higher ranking, more organic traffic, and a better user experience for everyone.
How Render-Blocking Resources Impact Different CMS Platforms
The principles of fixing render-blocking resources apply to every website, no matter the CMS. Your platform is just the tool you use to create the content. I am going to show you how to think about this with some of the most popular platforms. The goal is to make your site as fast as possible, no matter what you are using.
WordPress
WordPress is a great platform for fixing render-blocking resources because you can use plugins to help you. I recommend you use a good caching plugin that can “minify” and “defer” your CSS and JavaScript. This means the plugin will make your files smaller and tell your browser to load them later, so your website loads faster and has a lower render-blocking time.
Shopify
For Shopify, you can fix render-blocking resources by being smart about what you install. A lot of Shopify apps can add a lot of code to your site and slow it down. I suggest you only install the apps you really need and check your site’s speed often. You can also compress your product photos before you upload them, as this also helps with site speed.
Wix
Wix has made big improvements to its site speed in recent years. To improve it further, you should compress all of your images before uploading them. You should also try to use a simple, clean design and not add too many animations or videos. A clean, simple site will load much faster and have fewer render-blocking resources.
Webflow
Webflow’s speed is one of its biggest advantages. It is designed to create fast, lightweight websites. To keep your site fast, you should still be smart about how you use images and videos. A simple, clean design will always load faster than a complex one. A fast site is a great user experience, which is a powerful positive signal to Google.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control over your site’s speed. You can build a site that is incredibly fast from the ground up. I recommend you use a simple, clean design and optimize all of your images. A fast site is a great user experience and a strong positive signal to Google, which can help your rankings a lot.
How Render-Blocking Resources Apply to Different Industries
The importance of fixing render-blocking resources is universal, but the way you do it changes depending on your business. It is all about knowing what your audience wants and giving it to them as fast as possible. I am going to show you how to do this for a few key sectors.
Ecommerce
For an ecommerce site, a low render-blocking time is crucial for sales. A slow site can lose you customers. I recommend you compress your product photos and use a content delivery network (CDN) to serve your images from a server close to your customer. A fast site is a great shopping experience and can lead to more sales.
Local Businesses
For a local business, a low render-blocking time is important for getting new customers. People are often searching for a business on the go, and they are impatient. I suggest you use a simple, clean design and have your phone number and address very easy to find. A fast site makes it easy for a person to get the information they need and contact you.
SaaS
For a SaaS company, a low render-blocking time is a sign of a high-quality, professional product. You can improve it by making sure your website is well-coded and has a simple, clean design. I would also recommend you optimize your landing pages with a clear call to action and a simple message to get people to sign up quickly.
Blogs
For a blog, a low render-blocking time is important for keeping readers engaged. A slow site can lose you readers. I recommend you compress all of your images and use a good caching plugin. A fast site is a great reading experience and encourages people to stay longer and read more of your content.
FAQ Section
What is the difference between a render-blocking resource and a normal one?
A normal resource can be loaded later, after your website has appeared on the screen. A render-blocking resource has to be loaded before your website can even be seen. This is why it is so important to fix them, as they are the main cause of a slow-loading website.
How can I check my website for render-blocking resources?
You can use a few simple tools. Google’s PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix can tell you how fast your site loads and give you a list of all your render-blocking resources. They will also give you a score for your site’s speed on both desktop and mobile.
What is “minifying” and “deferring”?
“Minifying” is the process of removing all the unnecessary characters from your code to make the file smaller. “Deferring” is the process of telling your browser to load a file later, after the main content of your website has loaded. Both of these are great ways to fix render-blocking resources and make your site faster.
Can a fast website help my ranking a lot?
Yes, absolutely. Google has confirmed that page speed is a ranking factor. A fast website is a great user experience, and a great user experience is a strong positive signal to Google. A fast site can not only help your rankings but also improve your conversion rates and make your visitors happier.
