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Guides20 June 2026

Why website speed matters (and how to tell if yours is too slow)

A slow website loses customers and rankings before anyone reads a word. Here is why speed matters and how to check yours in minutes.

By Henry Guest, founder, russle

Frequently asked questions

How fast should my website load?

Aim for the main content to appear within about two to three seconds on a phone. Beyond that, you start losing visitors and rankings.

How do I check my website speed?

Run it through Google PageSpeed Insights for free. It scores mobile and desktop speed and lists exactly what is slowing the page down.

Does website speed affect SEO?

Yes. Google uses speed, measured through Core Web Vitals, as a ranking factor, particularly on mobile. Faster sites tend to rank and convert better.

Written by

Henry Guest, founder, russle

Henry Guest is the founder of russle, a brand & growth agency working with ambitious businesses across the UK.

More about russle

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