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I attempted to replicate the 100 score one site claimed to get on Google PageSpeed Insights.
I couldn’t do it – even with an empty post.
And, the optimization techniques they used resulted in:
- a slower load speed
- riskier methods
- dealing with code
Then I tested a real-world post full of:
- images in the content
- images in the sidebar
- social follow buttons
- social share buttons
You know, the real stuff all of us have on our sites.
I was able to get a higher Google PageSpeed Insights score AND a faster load time by using one little free plugin.
See my WP Fastest Cache Settings
Vet what you read.
Test what you try.
Get a site audit and find the REAL drags on your page load time!
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Its very important to have a child theme that is well written (puts scripts in footer, uses SCSS etc.). We have used the child theme Corporate Pro. You could also do a test on Google pagespeed of our website. We are disappointed you have written an inaccurate report about our website appency.nl
I have not written an inaccurate report about your site. I said I was unable to replicate your score using your technique on my test site. And I showed what I used on my test site to get a better score.
There must be significant differences in your site setup and mine. I can try your theme on my test site, but I suspect that are other differences too, that lead to the differences in score.
I’m thrilled for you getting a 100 score. But one of the points I try to make with my clients is how chasing that score is not as worthwhile as getting better speed. And a 100 score on GPI does not equate to faster speed.
GPI is NOT a good indicator of a fully optimized site. Never has been, never will be.
Dear MaAnna,
We have never claimed that GPI was the most important factor in determining ranking results or performance. We are using a VPS with some customization specifically for wordpress applications. You could also wait first for a reply but decided to publish the video anyway, which is disappointing. Those customization are not disclosed in the article because they differ per server type (OS type, cpanel, memory etc) and because its a paid service we offer to clients.
Basically, the full method is not disclosed in the article. We would not have a job if we gave away all of our secrets/skills for free.
Totally understand about not giving away secrets that keep you in business.
But also understand my point that folks need to be careful of assuming that the info that is disclosed will give them the same result. It certainly didn’t for me, and won’t for others.
You might want to consider mentioning in the article that you have other factors in play that are contributing to that perfect score and that you’d be happy to help others implement those same, more techie, types of improvements.
We mentioned in the beginning that it was our own server. I have added the part about custom server also just now in the article. Thanks for that tip. We will be clearer from now on.
Tweaking the server is definitely something that needs to be handled by an expert. I hope it brings you much business.
Thanks for the news that Google PageSpeed Insights scores are higher now. I looked 2 weeks ago, and they’re higher today. I don’t really use it, but look at it every so often.
I don’t know what they changed that made them jump so high on mobile. The desktop scores are as low, or lower than ever, though.
And this is the type of information that confirms why I’m so glad that we’re working with YOU on our project!!! You take the time to really figure things out, to test and confirm. (Not to mention you understand it and can still communicate it clearly enough that a non-geek can understand enough of it to be helpful!)
Thanks for your kind words Amanda!! We’re all learning every day. And I’m just the curious sort that wants to get to the bottom of stuff like this to see what really works.
My new caching tests have taken over 20 hours so far, and still not through. Not many folks can afford to donate that kind of time to research. But, I know it will make a whale of a lot of difference to all site owners, including me, in the end.