Key facts
- Uncompressed images are one of the most common causes of slow page loads.
- Newer PHP 8.x versions usually run PHP code faster than PHP 5.6 or 7.x.
- OPcache stores compiled PHP in memory so it does not have to be recompiled on every request.
- Time to first byte (TTFB) measures how long the server takes to start responding.
- Google's Core Web Vitals include Largest Contentful Paint, which measures how quickly the main content appears.
- Free tools such as PageSpeed Insights show what is slowing a page down.
- dijitul Complete Hosting is managed hosting at £1 a day + VAT.
Measure before you change anything
A slow website is one that takes too long to show its main content or respond to clicks. Before changing anything, measure it so you know what you are fixing.
- Run the page through a free tool such as Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Note the Largest Contentful Paint (how quickly the main content appears) and time to first byte (how long the server takes to respond).
- Test more than one page, such as the home page, a product page and the checkout.
- Test at different times of day.
If time to first byte is high, the problem is usually the server, PHP or database. If it is low but the page still feels slow, the problem is usually in the page itself: images, scripts and fonts.
Common causes inside the website
- Large images. A photo straight off a phone can be several megabytes. Resize to the size it is displayed and use modern formats such as WebP.
- Too many plugins or extensions. Each one can add database queries, scripts and stylesheets. Remove what you do not use.
- Heavy themes and page builders. Some load large amounts of code on every page.
- Third-party scripts. Chat widgets, tracking tags, embedded videos and social feeds all add requests.
- No page caching. Without it, the CMS rebuilds every page for every visitor.
- A bloated database. Old revisions, expired sessions and log tables slow down queries over time.
Common causes on the server
- An old PHP version. PHP 8.x usually runs code noticeably faster than PHP 5.6 or 7.x, and is still receiving security fixes. Check your software supports it first.
- OPcache turned off. OPcache keeps compiled PHP in memory. It should be on for almost every PHP site.
- Low PHP limits. A memory_limit that is too low can cause errors and slow admin pages.
- No object cache. Redis can cache database results for busy WordPress, Magento or forum sites.
- Overcrowded shared hosting. On some budget plans, many sites compete for the same resources.
- Slow DNS. A good DNS provider such as Cloudflare answers lookups quickly worldwide.
A simple order of fixes
- Take a full backup.
- Compress and resize the biggest images.
- Remove plugins and scripts you do not need.
- Turn on page caching in your CMS.
- Move to a supported PHP 8.x version, after testing on a staging copy.
- Check OPcache is enabled, and consider Redis for busy sites.
- Clean up the database.
- If time to first byte is still high, look at the hosting itself.
If the site is old and cannot run newer PHP, read whether to rebuild or keep an old website.
When slowness is a warning sign
A site that suddenly becomes slow, when nothing has changed, can be a sign of a problem rather than a performance issue. Hacked sites sometimes run hidden scripts that send spam or mine resources. Bots scraping the site can also overload a small server. Check the server logs or ask your host, and see what to do if your website has been hacked.
How dijitul helps with slow websites
dijitul Complete Hosting is managed hosting at £1 a day + VAT. We look after the server, keep it updated and monitored, and give you a Plesk login where you can choose the PHP version per domain, with PHP-FPM and OPcache. Cloudflare DNS is set up and managed for you.
If your site is slow where it is now, we will migrate it for you and help work out what is holding it back. Busy shops and sites with heavy traffic may need more resources, which we quote for on our high-traffic hosting page. Otherwise, order Complete Hosting.
Frequently asked questions
Can my web host make my website slow?
Yes. Overcrowded shared servers, old PHP versions, OPcache switched off, low memory limits and slow disks can all make a site slow, however well it is built. A high time to first byte, measured in a tool like PageSpeed Insights, often points to the server. Moving to better managed hosting can make a clear difference.
Does upgrading PHP make a website faster?
Usually, yes. PHP 8.x versions generally run the same code faster than PHP 7.x or 5.6, and they still receive security updates. However, older themes, plugins or custom code may not work on newer PHP without changes. Always test on a staging copy and take a backup before switching the PHP version on a live site.
Do too many plugins slow down WordPress?
They can. It is less about the number and more about what each plugin does. Some add database queries, scripts and stylesheets to every page. Deactivate plugins one at a time on a staging copy and measure the difference. Remove anything you no longer use, and replace heavy plugins with lighter alternatives where possible.
What is a good page load time for a business website?
Aim for the main content to appear within about 2.5 seconds, which is Google's 'good' threshold for Largest Contentful Paint. Faster is better, especially on mobile. Measure with PageSpeed Insights on your key pages, such as the home page and checkout, rather than relying on how the site feels on a fast office connection.
Will moving to dijitul make my website faster?
It often helps, especially if the site is on an overcrowded server or an old PHP version. dijitul Complete Hosting is managed hosting at £1 a day + VAT, with selectable PHP versions, OPcache and Cloudflare DNS. We migrate the site for you, and our UK team can help find what is slowing it down.
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Managed hosting, Plesk, Cloudflare DNS, daily backups and your domain for £1 a day + VAT. We move your site for you.