When Shortpixel invited WPservice.pro to join a speed optimization demo challenge, we saw it as a chance to showcase our expertise and commitment to excellence. We took on the project with full enthusiasm, knowing that the world’s top WordPress optimization teams would be doing the same.
And yes, we delivered incredible results. Here’s the Speed Optimization Case Study.
The Challenge: An Underperforming Site in Need of a Boost
Shortpixel representative approached us with the challenge to be part of a demo project, it was an opportunity we couldn’t resist. The mission was simple: optimize a WordPress site, go head-to-head with the best optimization teams worldwide, and see who comes out on top.
Of course, WPservice.pro doesn’t shy away from a good challenge, especially when it’s about speed. After all, speed isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for user experience, SEO rankings, and reducing bounce rates. This was our time to shine, and guess what? We did!
The Challenge: Optimizing a Heavy WordPress Site
The demo project involved a WordPress site that needed some serious TLC. This site was bogged down by large images, bloated scripts, and unnecessary plugins that slowed its performance to a crawl.
The site hadn’t been optimized in a while and was suffering from heavy images, unoptimized code, and long load times, particularly on mobile devices.
Our job was to bring this sluggish site back to life, boosting speed and performance without breaking anything in the process.
Before Optimization: Struggling to Keep Up
Before WPservice.pro worked its magic, the website’s initial performance was sluggish. Loading times were frustratingly slow, with users waiting several seconds just to see the homepage. With a Google PageSpeed score far below industry standards, it was clear that visitors would bounce faster than you could say “WordPress.”
Initial Mobile Performance (according to Google PSI test):
- Google PageSpeed (Mobile): 53
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 4.0 seconds
- Total Blocking Time: 2,200 ms
- Total Page Size: 1.5 MB
WPservice.pro’s Speed Optimization Process
We knew this was an all-hands-on-deck situation, and we weren’t afraid to roll up our sleeves. Here’s a breakdown of the steps we took to turn the situation around:
1. Image Optimization
Contrary to what might have been expected given this was a ShortPixels task, we didn’t rely on ShortPixel for image compression in this case. Instead, we used EWWW IO, which we prefer for bulk image optimization.
We converted the images to the WebP format, dramatically reducing file sizes without any noticeable loss in quality.
2. Code Minification and Cleanup
We minified the website’s CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files, cutting out unnecessary characters and spaces to shrink file sizes. This drastically reduced the amount of data the browser had to download and improved load times.
3. Plugin Audit and Performance Optimization
Next up was a thorough audit of the site’s plugins. We removed outdated and unnecessary plugins, replacing them with more efficient alternatives. We also installed and configured Perfmatters and WP Rocket to handle caching, lazy loading, and further reduce the amount of data being transferred.
4. Reducing Requests and Enhancing Mobile Speed
By eliminating redundant code and requests (like unnecessary WooCommerce functionality), we reduced the number of requests from 68 to just 14. We also prioritized mobile-first improvements, knowing that today’s users primarily access websites via smartphones.
After Optimization: From Slow to Supercharged
Thanks to our optimizations, the website saw a dramatic turnaround. The mobile PageSpeed score jumped from 53 to 91, and the desktop score also showed significant improvement. See the results for yourself:
Mobile performance improvement
Metric | Before | After | Improvement |
---|---|---|---|
FCP | 2.8s | 1.6s | 42.9% |
LCP | 4s | 2s | 50% |
Total Blocking Time | 2,200ms | 420ms | 80.9% |
Speed Score | 53 | 91 | 71.7% |
Desktop performance improvement
Metric | Before | After | Improvement |
---|---|---|---|
FCP | 0.8s | 0.5s | 37.5% |
LCP | 1.2s | 0.5s | 58.3% |
Total Blocking Time | 270ms | 0ms | 100% |
Speed Score | 84 | 100 | 19% |
Mobile PSI test scores
Desktop PSI test scores
Post-Optimization Results:
- Google PageSpeed (Mobile): 91
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 2.0 seconds
- Total Blocking Time: 420 ms
- Total Page Size: 0.2 MB
On desktop, the site hit a perfect 100 for Google PageSpeed performance! The improvement wasn’t just about numbers on a screen—it translated into a significantly better user experience, especially for mobile users.
Why WPservice.pro Leads the Pack
What sets us apart from other teams? For starters, we were the fastest to provide results within just one day!
All of that while we provided the most extensive after-project report.
We showed quality, fast response and we delivered superb results, and this is something we are very proud of.
We didn’t just rely on out-of-the-box solutions—we used a combination of custom optimizations, plugin configurations, and manual code tweaks that are tailored to each site’s specific needs.
Key Takeaways — Speed Optimization Case Study
At WPservice.pro, speed optimization isn’t just about hitting high PageSpeed scores (although we did). It’s about making real, tangible improvements that enhance the user experience.
By leveraging our expertise in tools like EWWW IO, Perfmatters, and WP Rocket, we turned a slow site into a fast, responsive one, in a very competitive market—all while being the fastest speed optimization service to do so.
And with that notion I’ll draw this speed optimization case study to the end.
Founder of WPservice.pro
Dalibor is a master of web excellence. With a Bachelor of Science (BS) in civil engineering, Dalibor had an unusual road to end up in IT. Cultivating deep expertise in WordPress website speed optimization, meticulous maintenance, development, and search engine optimization (SEO) while preserving his engineering approach to problem-solving.
Having completed over 90 projects and achieved a top-rated status (on Upwork) in the highly competitive digital niche, Dalibor is a proper authority on enhancing performance and ensuring websites look exceptional and perform flawlessly.
Dalibor is a published writer and an avid learner who continually explores and embraces the latest digital trends. With a commitment to quality and a keen eye for detail, Dalibor is your trusted guide to achieving web success.