Learn how to speed up your Shopify store so you get more sales, better Google rankings, and happier customers – even if you don’t know tech.
Why Speed Matters ?
People expect websites to load fast – especially on phones. Slow stores lose customers before they even see your products.
Here’s why speed matters:
- Fast stores sell better (higher conversions)
- Google ranks fast sites higher
- Slow stores drive visitors away
Idea: Think of speed like your store’s first impression. If someone waits too long, they won’t stay.
How to Measure Your Current Speed
Before you fix anything, you need a baseline.
Tools to Use
Google Page Speed Insights
- Check your store’s speed on mobile and desktop.
- Focus on mobile scores first.
Shopify Web Performance Dashboard
- Shows real real- user data from your live store.
Record your results so you can compare before vs after improvements.
High Impact Fixes to Speed up Shopify Website
These are the biggest mistakes most store owners make – and the easiest ones to fix.
Image Optimization
Images often make up most of a page’s size.
- Compress images before uploading
- Use modern formats (WebP/AVIF)
- Upload at the right size (don’t upload huge files)
- Enable lazy loading (built into Shopify)
This can cut your load time drastically.
Remove Unnecessary Apps
Every app adds scripts that slow your store.
- Remove apps you don’t use
- Keep only essential ones
- Combine functions where possible
Less is more.
Choose a Fast Theme
Heavy themes look nice but load slow.
- Use lightweight themes like Dawn
- Turn off animations and auto-play videos
- Only enable features you actually use
Medium Impact Fixes
Once the big issues are fixed, do these next.
Minify Code
- Clean up extra spaces in CSS and JavaScript
- Use built-in tools or simple apps
This makes files smaller & loads faster.
Font Optimization
- Use fewer font weights
- Only load what is needed
- Use font-display: swap to avoid invisible text
Advanced Fixes (Developer Help)
These require some technical knowledge but deliver noticeable gains:
- Load non-critical scripts later
- Split JavaScript bundles
- Defer render-blocking CSS
These steps are optional but helpful for bigger stores.
Mobile-First Speed Tips
More than half of your visitors are on phones.
- Test on real mobile devices
- Optimize images for mobile sizes
- Avoid big popups on phones
- Simplify checkout flow
Mobile speed equals mobile sales.
Ongoing Speed Maintenance
Speed isn’t one-time.
Regularly:
- Check speed after every change
- Test after adding apps or new sections
- Review performance monthly
Quick Reference Checklist ✅
- Compress images
- Remove unused apps
- Use lightweight theme
- Minify CSS/JS
- Optimize fonts
- Monthly speed test
- Check after updates
Conclusion
Speed isn’t a bonus – it’s a core part of your store’s success.
Start with the big wins (images + apps), then build from there.
You don’t need to be a tech expert , just follow the steps.