Performance, quality code, and knowing what you’re doing

Not all websites are built the same. Some developers write clean, maintainable code. Others rely on layers of plugins, frameworks, and visual tools. Those setups often ship more code than the user needs.

That is when you end up with fragile sites that are hard to maintain, slow to load, and wasteful to run [1]Source 1 .

Why performance matters

Site speed affects trust and completion of key journeys [1]Source 1 . Google also tracks user experience through Core Web Vitals, which measure loading, responsiveness, and visual stability [2]Source 2 .

• Search visibility
  Core Web Vitals reflect real user experience and are used in Google’s reporting and guidance [2]Source 2 [4]Source 4 .
• Conversion rates
  Delays increase drop off, especially on mobile and on high intent pages [1]Source 1 .
• Mobile users
  Real users browse on older devices and slower connections. Heavy pages punish them first [1]Source 1 .
• Bandwidth and cost
  Bigger pages transfer more data and take longer to become usable. Budgets help keep this under control [8]Source 8 .
• Stability and usability
  Pages that load slowly, respond slowly, or shift during load feel unreliable. Core Web Vitals map to those problems through LCP, INP, and CLS [5]Source 5 [6]Source 6 [7]Source 7 .

Why page weight matters

When a simple page ends up several megabytes large, something is wrong. It usually means oversized media, too much JavaScript, or too many third-party scripts [1]Source 1 [9]Source 9 .

• More bloat means longer load times
• Bigger pages mean worse experience on mobile
• More third-party code means more unpredictable slowdowns

Performance budgets keep growth under control as content and features get added [8]Source 8 .

Why quality code matters

Good code is focused. It keeps pages predictable. It reduces the chance of regressions when the site changes.

• Fewer bugs
• Easier maintenance
• Better accessibility foundations
• More flexibility
• Lower costs over time

Quality also affects performance. Less work on the main thread improves responsiveness. Less layout churn improves stability [6]Source 6 [7]Source 7 .

How I keep sites fast and reliable

I start with the journeys that matter. Then I protect them with budgets and checks, so the site stays fast after launch [8]Source 8 .

• I prioritise the main content so the page becomes useful quickly [5]Source 5 .
• I keep JavaScript light and avoid shipping site-wide bundles for small features [6]Source 6 .
• I control third-party scripts and load them only when they earn their place [9]Source 9 .
• I test with lab tools to find causes and confirm improvements [3]Source 3 .

Want a fast, reliable website that does not fall apart?

If your site is slow, bloated, or hard to maintain, I can help.

Get in touch View current packages

Or request a Site Score for a performance breakdown of your current site. The quick report is free.