Have you ever felt frustrated by your website’s slow performance despite investing in tools, plugins, and services that promised speed improvements? (see the video for an easier explanation below)
After years of working with professionals and trying countless solutions, I’ve discovered that many of these services fail to address the real reasons your website is dragging its feet. Today, I’m going to reveal five common ways you’re wasting money to speed up your site and, more importantly, how to fix these issues effectively.
1. Slow Queries: The Silent Website Killer
What are slow queries?
Slow queries occur when your website’s database spends excessive time searching for information. If a visitor tries to load a page or sign in, and the database can’t locate the requested data efficiently, it will search through multiple tables. This unnecessary back-and-forth significantly slows down your website and affects your SEO rankings because search engines penalize slow-loading sites. High query density and unoptimized attributes can also compound this issue.
What causes slow queries?
The primary culprit is often the postmeta table, which stores years of accumulated data. This table can include information from outdated plugins, unused themes, and abandoned settings. If your postmeta table contains millions of entries dating back years, your site will struggle to process requests quickly due to the sheer difficulty of retrieving relevant information.
How to fix it:
To reduce slow queries, consider using a plugin like WP Optimize to clean up your database. This plugin removes outdated entries and redundant data without requiring you to manually edit your database. Pro tip: Always back up your database before making any changes to avoid accidental data loss.
2. Unindexed Tables
Why indexing matters:
Database indexing is like creating a shortcut for your website’s database. Without indexes, your database has to search through every single entry to find what it needs, significantly slowing down query times. This inefficiency also impacts internal and external queries, which are critical for smooth site navigation and performance.
How to fix it:
A good programmer can index your most active tables, streamlining the database’s ability to locate and process information. Indexing is one of the most critical optimization factors for improving load speed. If you don’t have a developer, hire a professional who understands database optimization, and make sure they provide a backup of your database before starting.
3. Overloaded Postmeta Table
The danger of excess data:
The postmeta table often becomes a junkyard for unused data. Plugins and themes you no longer use leave behind traces that clog up your database. For instance, my site had over a million unnecessary entries from plugins and themes dating back to 2007! This overwhelming data density can slow down performance significantly.
How to fix it:
Use WP Optimize to purge unused data from the postmeta table. Removing outdated plugin data and abandoned settings will drastically improve your site’s performance. If you’re unsure how to proceed, consult a knowledgeable developer to handle the cleanup safely. Cleaning up duplicate entries from the postmeta table can significantly enhance query speed and performance.
4. Heavy Plugins That Drain Resources
The hidden cost of plugins:
Many plugins promise functionality but come at the cost of database efficiency. Popular plugins like Jetpack or certain SEO tools are notoriously resource-heavy. Similarly, page builders like TagDiv and Elementor can strain your database and slow down your site significantly. Resource-heavy plugins also increase query difficulty and slow overall loadtimes.
How to fix it:
Evaluate whether you really need these plugins. Replace resource-intensive plugins with lightweight alternatives. For example, avoid page builders and opt for simpler themes that don’t require heavy plugins to function. Additionally, ensure that all plugins properly handle attributes and queries to avoid inefficiencies.
5. Unnecessary Spending on Inefficient Solutions
The trap of overspending:
Many companies offer expensive tools and services that claim to solve all your website’s speed problems. Unfortunately, these solutions often add more complexity and additional plugins, which can make the problem worse. Paying for featured services or plugins that don’t address your specific needs is a waste of money.
How to fix it:
Instead of wasting money on unnecessary plugins and services, focus on cleaning up your database, indexing tables, and eliminating heavy plugins. A simpler, streamlined approach will yield better results without breaking the bank. Proper optimization and addressing key performance factors are more cost-effective and impactful than relying on gimmicks.
Closing:
Improving your website’s speed doesn’t have to cost a fortune or involve complex tools. By addressing slow queries, cleaning up your database, and minimizing heavy plugins, you can significantly boost your site’s performance. Remember, the key is to simplify rather than complicate. With a focus on intent, clean design, and effective database management, you can achieve optimal speed and rankings. Stay tuned for more tips, and I wish you continued success with your website optimization journey!
This article was contributed by Kevin Ross, a seasoned entrepreneurs, website developer and SEO specialist with decades of experience helping businesses optimize their online presence. Kevin is passionate about crafting fast, efficient websites and implementing effective SEO strategies that drive traffic and improve search rankings. For more insights or to connect with Kevin, visit his website or follow him on LinkedIn
