What is front-end performance monitoring?

It involves analyzing various aspects of a website’s performance, such as loading time, responsiveness, and effective use of resources. This makes it possible to detect any issues that may affect the website’s performance and, consequently, user satisfaction.

Website performance has a direct impact on conversions and search engine rankings. That is why performance optimization is one of the priorities for website owners. The introduction of appropriate monitoring tools, such as Lighthouse or Real User Monitoring, allows for a thorough understanding of how the website works in practice. Effective use of these tools allows you to continuously adjust and improve your website, leading to better performance and a better user experience.

Guide to using the Lighthouse audit

Lighthouse is a powerful tool created by Google that enables comprehensive analysis of a website’s front-end performance. It is available as part of the Chrome browser, which makes it easy to use without the need to install additional software. The Lighthouse audit evaluates a website in several key areas, such as performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO. This allows users to quickly identify elements that need optimization, leading to improved overall website performance.

To use the Lighthouse tool, simply open the website in Chrome and launch DevTools by right-clicking and selecting “Inspect.” Then go to the “Lighthouse” tab and select the audit parameters that interest you. Once the audit is running, Lighthouse generates a detailed report that highlights areas that need attention and provides specific recommendations for optimization. Regular use of the Lighthouse audit helps maintain high website performance and improve the user experience.

Advantages and disadvantages of using Lighthouse

The Lighthouse audit offers many advantages that make it an indispensable tool in the process of optimizing website performance. It is easily accessible, which means that all website owners can use it at no additional cost. This tool generates comprehensive reports covering various aspects of the website, such as performance, accessibility, and SEO. This allows users to get a complete picture of how their website is functioning and identify areas for improvement. Lighthouse describes problems in detail and suggests specific actions, which greatly facilitates the optimization process.

Despite its many advantages, the Lighthouse audit also has some limitations. First of all, it is a tool based on synthetic tests, which means that the results may not always reflect the actual user experience. The analyses are conducted under specific conditions, which sometimes differ from the situations that users encounter on a daily basis. In addition, Lighthouse reports can be difficult to interpret for those without the relevant technical knowledge – in such cases, it is worth seeking the support of specialists in the process of front-end performance optimization. An interesting fact is that Lighthouse can flag scripts from Google itself, such as Google Tag Manager or reCAPTCHA, as problematic, considering them to be elements that slow down the website.

Real user monitoring: what is it and how does it work?

Real User Monitoring, also known as RUM, is a technique for collecting data about real users visiting a website. Unlike simulations or synthetic tests, RUM provides information based on real interactions, allowing for a more accurate understanding of how a website performs under different conditions. This monitoring covers aspects such as page load time, interactions with interface elements, and potential problems encountered by users. This makes it possible to analyze user behavior in a way that is closer to the actual experience.

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RUM works by embedding scripts in the website code that collect data about user sessions in real time. This information is then sent to special analytical tools that present the results in the form of reports. The use of real user monitoring allows you to identify areas for improvement and tailor the website to the needs of users. RUM provides valuable insights that can support the process of optimizing and improving front-end performance, which in turn leads to a better user experience on the website.

Real user monitoring vs. Lighthouse: which one to choose?

The choice between Real User Monitoring and Lighthouse audit depends largely on the specific needs of the website and the goals we want to achieve in terms of front-end performance monitoring. Real user monitoring provides data based on actual user interactions with the website, which allows us to gain insight into how the website performs under different conditions. This allows you to identify issues that actually affect the user experience. RUM is particularly useful when you want to understand how different users perceive the site and what obstacles they encounter.

Lighthouse audit, on the other hand, is ideal for those who want to quickly identify areas for optimization and get specific recommendations. In situations where quick analysis and specific improvement tips are needed, Lighthouse may be more effective. In practice, it is best to combine both tools. This allows you to get a complete picture of front-end performance, taking into account both real user data and detailed synthetic analyses.

Practical tips for improving front-end performance

The front-end performance of a website can be significantly improved by applying a few practices. First of all, it is worth paying attention to image optimization. Compressing graphics without losing quality can significantly reduce page load time. You should also use modern formats such as WebP, which offer better compression. The next step is to minimize and combine CSS and JavaScript files, which reduces the number of HTTP requests and speeds up loading.

Front-end performance monitoring should also include regular checks of dynamic elements. It is worth using lazy loading techniques, which allow elements to be loaded only when they are needed by the user. Optimizing external resources, such as fonts and scripts, by loading them asynchronously also contributes to improved performance. Following these best practices and regularly monitoring performance with the right tools ensures a better user experience and positively affects the website’s search engine ranking.