Speculative loading – have you heard about this? It refers to the way websites render, not else! WordPress coins it, and it is a technology that helps webmasters save seconds in speed for most websites built on this famous CMS. And when we say saving seconds, it is a game-changer for all those websites that have lagged behind top performers until today.
Website speed remains a paramount concern for website owners and SEO professionals alike. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, even a slight delay in page load times can significantly impact user experience and conversion rates. From this perspective, speculative loading is a revolutionary new technique with the potential to transform how WordPress websites handle user navigation.
What is Speculative Loading?
Speculative loading leverages the power of the Speculation Rules API to anticipate user behaviour and pre-load specific web pages in the background. This API empowers developers to define rules for prefetching or prerendering content based on user interactions.
For instance, a WordPress website with speculative loading enabled might begin rendering a linked page when a user hovers over it. The result? A seamless user experience where linked pages appear to load instantaneously upon clicking.
What is the difference between speculative loading websites and those which doesn’t use this technology? SEO professionals know those websites that use AMP technology to be rendered on mobile instantly – this is what speculative loading looks like. Still, it is even better this time on any device, not only on mobile.
Benefits of Speculative Loading
The potential benefits of speculative loading for WordPress websites are numerous:
- Enhanced User Experience: By eliminating perceived loading times, speculative loading creates a smoother and more enjoyable user experience. This can increase engagement, time spent on site, and conversions. A smooth UX/UI is not only a criterion for users to return to your website and spend more time on it but also for Google to rank your website. This is because the time users spend on your website is measured by Google Analytics and considered crucial in ranking your website in SERPs. If you exit the website after a few seconds, it means the users didn’t find what they were looking for on your website, and it’s a strong signal that Google should bring other domains to the top.
- Improved SEO Performance: Search engines prioritize websites that deliver a fast and efficient user experience. Speculative loading’s ability to reduce perceived load times can positively impact a website’s ranking in search results pages (SERPs). More than that, studies showed that for each additional second needed for a website to load, 50% of the users abandon their initial search, meaning hundreds or thousands of users are lost in organic traffic daily. Wondering how much traffic your website can get? Do the math and understand why speculative loading is a game-changer for those using this technology. So, the question here is simple: do you want to offer quality SEO services to your clients? If the answer is Yes, then speculative loading is a must!
- Increased Efficiency: By pre-loading resources, speculative loading can reduce the workload on a user’s device, leading to a more efficient browsing experience. Instant experience, no additional resources used – this is what the future of WordPress looks like from the speculative loading perspective. It helps not only e-commerce websites but even the most simple one-page websites you can design in WordPress.
Current Status of WordPress Websites and Future Outlook after Speculative Loading
While speculative loading represents a significant advancement in website performance optimization, it remains in its early stages. Currently, WordPress offers a dedicated “Speculative Loading” plugin that allows users to experiment with this technology and provide valuable feedback to developers. This plugin serves as a valuable testing ground for website owners eager to stay ahead of the curve.
Looking towards the future, the prospects for speculative loading appear bright. Whispers within the WordPress community, from WordPress hosters to developers suggest that speculative loading might eventually become a core feature of the platform itself. By familiarizing themselves with this technology now, website owners can position themselves for a significant advantage when this integration occurs. Additionally, as browser support for the Speculation Rules API continues to grow, speculative loading will become even more powerful and widely adopted.
Taking Action on Speculative Loading: Embracing the Future of WordPress Performance
Website owners and SEO professionals shouldn’t wait for speculative loading to become mainstream. Here are some proactive steps you can take to leverage this innovative technology:
- Install and Test the Speculative Loading Plugin: Actively experiment with the plugin to assess its impact on your website’s performance.
- Provide Feedback to Developers: Share your experiences with the Speculative Loading plugin to help refine and improve the technology.
- Stay Updated on Speculative Loading Developments: Keep a close eye on WordPress announcements and reputable SEO blogs to remain informed about the latest advancements in speculative loading.
By embracing speculative loading, you’re not simply optimizing your website for the present, you’re preparing it for a future of lightning-fast performance and unparalleled user experiences within the WordPress ecosystem. This proactive approach can lead to significant SEO benefits and a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape.