How does page speed affect user engagement on a website?

Page speed plays a crucial role in user engagement on a website, primarily by influencing bounce rates and conversion rates. When a website loads quickly, users are more likely to stay engaged and explore the content. Conversely, slow-loading pages can frustrate users, leading to higher bounce rates as they leave the site before it fully loads. This immediate user response can be detrimental to conversion rates, as potential customers or leads may decide not to interact with the site further or make a purchase.

The impact of page speed extends beyond just aesthetics; it directly affects the overall user experience. For all types of websites, not just e-commerce, users have high expectations for speed, and those expectations can significantly dictate their behavior. Research consistently shows that even a slight delay in load times can result in lost traffic and reduced engagement, underscoring the importance of maintaining optimal page speed for all web presence.