How to improve page speed in BigCommerce?

@kyleigh.wolff 

Improving page speed in BigCommerce is essential for enhancing user experience and potentially boosting your search engine rankings. Here are some strategies you can employ:

1. Optimize Images: Use image optimization tools to compress images without losing quality. Implement lazy loading so images only load when they come into the viewport. Serve images in next-gen formats like WebP.
2. Utilize a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Use a CDN to deliver content more quickly to users around the globe. BigCommerce automatically integrates certain CDNs, but ensure it's configured properly.
3. Minimize HTTP Requests: Reduce the number of elements on each page (e.g., combine CSS/JS files). Remove unnecessary plugins or third-party scripts.
4. Enable Browser Caching: Set up browser caching to store static files so they don’t need to be reloaded each time a user visits.
5. Optimize JavaScript and CSS: Minify and combine CSS and JavaScript files to reduce their size and improve load times. Defer non-essential JavaScript to load later.
6. Leverage AMP for Mobile: Implement AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) to improve page speed on mobile devices.
7. Reduce Server Response Time: Optimize your hosting plan as needed. Ensure your server can handle your site’s traffic. Make sure your database queries are optimized.
8. Implement a Fast and Responsive Theme: Use a lightweight, well-coded theme that’s optimized for speed. Regularly update themes and plugins to their latest versions.
9. Use BigCommerce's Native Features: Take advantage of BigCommerce's built-in features like Akamai Image Manager for automatic image optimization.
10. Run Performance Audits: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to identify areas for improvement. Regularly monitor and test your site speed after making changes.
11. Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your site design is responsive and adapts to different devices without lag.
12. Avoid Redirects: Minimize the use of redirects to improve load times.

By following these strategies, you should see significant improvements in your BigCommerce site's page speed. Remember to test your site regularly to ensure ongoing optimization.