How to Speed Up your Website with GZip Compression
It is extremely easy to speed up your website using gzip compression.
What is gzip compression?
Basically, gzip compression is when your webserver compresses your web pages, then sends these zipped files across the internet to whoever is viewing your website.
This person’s browser then automatically uncompresses these files.
This zipping and unzipping process happens in the background.
This easy to understand video by Google, explains a little more about gzip compression between a web server and a browser.. and how using gzip can help improve speed,
So what is the benefit of gzip compression?
Well.. smaller files = faster downloads = happy users
You are saving on bandwidth and download time.
Simple as that!
Do I Already Have GZip Compression?
To test if your website has gzip compression enabled visit WhatsMyIP.org.. enter your website’s URL, then click <Test>,
The results will tell you if your webserver is sending out compressed files or not.
If it is, then you don’t need to do anything else.. expect for putting your feet up!
If it isn’t, then you will be advised..
You will also be shown the actual size of your page, the size if it were gzipped and the potential savings,
Enabling GZip Compression
If you have a WordPress blog then these are the steps to enable gzip compression.
Log in.. then under the Appearance click on Editor,
Click on <header.php>,
Before you update this file make sure you back it up first!
Copy the following piece of code,
..then paste it at the very top of the file.. then click on <Update File>,
Done!
That is all you need to do.
GZip Compressed
To test this out head back to WhatsMyIP.org.. enter your website’s URL, then click <Test>,
Your webserver will now be serving compressed files,
Smaller files = faster downloads = happy users!
Finally..
If you liked this post please register to receive The Social Media Guide’s free newsletter that’s packed with tips, guides and more!
Most of these posts are available to download for free as PDFs for registered members.
Please help spread the word by becoming a fan of The Social Media Guide on Facebook,
And following me on Twitter,
Enjoy!
Related posts:
- Add a Facebook Fan Button to your Website
- How to Brand your Tweets with Your Website’s URL
- How to add Google Friend Connect to WordPress
- How to publish from Google Docs to your WordPress blog
- NetworkedBlogs – Bring your Blog to Facebook
- How to Stop Image Hotlinking by Counter-Punching with Free Advertising
- Share Files on LinkedIn with Box.net
No Comments