Although its not a huge factor,page speed is a factor in Google’s search ranking algorithm accoding to Google’s Matt Cutts.  Over the last year Google has introduced the ‘Site Performace’ in the Webmaster Tools user interface and a Firefox plug-in named Page Speed.  Page Speed is an Add-on to Firebug in Firefox.

So how do you get it?  You can follow the directions below, or If you would like to run a test without a plug-in try zoompf.com.  This site will allow you enter in the URL of a site of your choice and run a page speed analysis.

To use Page Speed (Highly recommended)

  1. You must have Firefox
  2. Download the Firebug plug-in
  3. Download Google’s Page Speed add-on

Firebug setupanalyze performance

Here are a few additional tools that are very helpful as well

  • YSlow, a free tool from Yahoo! that suggests ways to improve website speed.
  • WebPagetest shows a waterfall view of your pages’ load performance plus an optimization checklist.

Search Engine Optimization is important for users to find your site, but once they are there usability becomes the most important factor.  You want them to return, right?  Your site should have a good balance and your SEO strategy should include some type of survey or feedback mechanism in order to determine what exactly the users are looking for and expecting.