The Ultimate Shopify Speed Audit Checklist
Did you know that a 1-second delay in page load can reduce conversions by 7%? If your Shopify store is slow, you’re losing sales — period. That’s where we come in.
At PageSpeed Ninjas, we’re Shopify Partners and speed optimization experts with years of hands-on eCommerce experience. We’ve helped hundreds of store owners boost their Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix scores through clean, manual optimization — no hacks, no bloat.
Why Speed Matters for Shopify Stores
- User Experience: Fast-loading pages keep customers engaged.
- SEO Rankings: Google prioritizes faster stores.
- Conversion Rates: Every extra second can cost you real revenue.
Your Shopify Speed Audit Checklist
1. Test Your Current Speed
Start by running your store through Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix. Take note of scores for mobile and desktop.
2. Check Hosting & CDN
Shopify hosting is solid, but third-party apps and heavy themes can add latency. Ensure you’re using Shopify’s built-in CDN for media delivery.
3. Audit Shopify Apps
Apps can be major culprits for slowing stores. Remove any unused or redundant apps. Some apps load scripts on every page, creating unnecessary bloat. (Shopify Apps That Slow Your Store)
4. Optimize Images
Large images kill speed. Use WebP format where possible and ensure dimensions are correct. Shopify automatically compresses images, but manual optimization can yield better results.
5. Check for Render-Blocking Resources
JavaScript and CSS that block rendering can delay load times. Minify and defer scripts where possible.
6. Evaluate Liquid Code
Unoptimized Liquid code in themes can add significant weight. Look out for loops, excessive includes, and unused snippets.
7. Analyze Checkout Speed
Slow checkouts can kill conversions. Ensure minimal scripts are running and keep customizations lean. (How to Boost Shopify Checkout Speed)
8. Optimize Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
LCP is a key metric for user experience. If your main banner or hero image is too heavy, LCP scores will drop. (Fix LCP for Faster Sales)
Internal Resources to Help You
- Why Your Shopify Store Loads Slowly (and How to Fix LCP for Faster Sales)
- How to Boost Shopify Checkout Speed
- Shopify Apps That Slow Your Store
FAQs
How do I know if my Shopify store is slow?
Run a speed test on PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix. If your scores are under 70 on mobile, your store needs improvement.
Can apps really slow down my store?
Yes. Many apps inject scripts across all pages, even when not needed. This adds extra requests and slows down load times.
What’s the fastest way to improve Shopify speed?
Start by optimizing images, removing unused apps, and fixing render-blocking scripts. For deeper optimization, contact PageSpeed Ninjas for a free speed audit.
Ready to Boost Your Shopify Store Speed?
Your competitors aren’t waiting — and neither should you. A faster store means happier customers and more sales. Get expert help today from PageSpeed Ninjas.