Site Check – Web Site Advice

Using Cache Control to reduce the number of request to your web server

When you run your log analysis tool, you’ll probably see a lot of requests with an HTTP code 304 (not modified). These requests are coming from browsers which check that the data in their cache is still current.

If you rarely modify your stylesheets, your javascripts and your images, then it might be a good idea to use cache control to let the browsers know on their first request that your data can be stored for a certain number of days before the local cache needs to be refreshed. Read the rest of this entry »

Optimizing a web site for faster load times, reducing coding errors and providing a better experience for users and search engines alike

During the planning phase of a site, many people put too much stuff on their home page, thinking that everything is equally important. However this increases loading times and spoils the user experience. You’ll notice that visitors don’t spend too much time on your site. You’d better do something about it.

Once you’ve got the first version of your site online, it’s time to think about optimizing the design and layout so that it works well for your visitors and search engines alike. Read the rest of this entry »

40 little web tips to help you optimize your site

I wrote this list of tips a few years ago, while composing a proposal for a government project. Most of the tips are still valid today. Read the rest of this entry »