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We are getting page speed insights low scores for speed mostly due to: 1) eliminate render-blocking resources (need to deliver critical JS/CSS inline, deferring non-critical assets), 2)remove unused CSS, 3) remove unused JavaScript, 4) avoid excessive DOM size, etc. Reading W3 Total Cache’s plugin features – it looked like these issues would be covered.
However, after install and set up according to instructions, there were ZERO improvements in page speed insights score. Note: Running Salient theme – the developers recommended the W3 Total Cache product. I set it up with instructions from Salient Developers.
I don’t mind paying for premium support to get help fixing the issues, but there is no phone number, no real explanation of premium services or timeline, etc. Is the product bogus? Any insights on how to fix the issues (with or without plugin)?
Hi Debra-
I took a look at the URL you sent over privately, and I can definitely see some ways you can improve this both for free, and with the premium version of the plugin.
First, for a quick and easy improvement, enable Lazy Load Images in Performance > General Settings > User Experience.
Right now, it looks like you’ve enabled Page Cache and Browser Cache, but you’re not using any minification for your JavaScript and CSS assets. This is going to be the biggest help for your site because you’re using 26 individual JavaScript files and 24 individual CSS files. Minification will compress those files and serve them all in a combined asset to reduce the overall page size and the number of requests.
W3 Total Cache Pro will help even further by moving those CSS files inline to prevent them from blocking the render.
Minification can be a complicated process, especially for highly dynamic sites like yours, which is why we offer premium services to configure the plugin for you. We’re a globally distributed team, so we don’t offer phone service, but all premium support requests are answered within 24 hours Monday – Friday, often faster.
In addition, we offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure you’re getting the value you pay for.
Hello,
Thanks for your reply. I initially set up the W3 Cache according to the instructions of the page builder used, Salient.
However, the performance didn’t increase much for those settings. I played with other settings but lost functionality.
I can’t seem to get the right balance, so I’m interested in the premium service.
If using the service:
– Will the W3 Cache support person review my server options to avoid conflicts/redundancies?
– Are the settings discussed with me to understand what has changed?
– What is the time frame for completing the service?
– Which premium service should I select?
Thanks very much for your help!
Debra
Hi Debra-
For your website, I’d recommend two main things. The Pro version, so you can eliminate render-blocking CSS, and a <strong>Performance Audit</strong>, which will include plugin configuration.
I spoke to one of our premium support technicians, and here were their direct answers to your questions:
– Will the W3 Cache support person review my server options to avoid conflicts/redundancies?
With a Performance Audit solution, I’ll check the theme, server, etc.
– Are the settings discussed with me to understand what has changed?
I’ll provide detailed explanation on which settings are changed, and why.
– What is the time frame for completing the service?
Depending on when the request and credentials are submitted, how long it takes to test etc. 24-48 hrs from submission.
– Which premium service should I select?
Performance Audit. This includes plugin configuration, and additional suggestions on how to improve the website.
I hope this answers all your questions, Debra! Please let us know if you have any more questions, we’re happy to help.
Perfect. Thank you!
Hello,
Just checking on the progress for an order made on 8/21 – Invoice ID:
[redacted] for a performance audit.I thought I was supposed to receive an email with information on how to provide credentials, but I have not received the email.
Did I miss something?
We are having a similar problem on free W3 Total Cache, even following the set up recommendations given. Perhaps the W3 Pro can help us – can you verify that our site will be checked and evaluated for these specific problems (?):
Lighthouse evaluation results: 91/Accessibility, 93/Best Practices, 100/SEO but the big problems are these:
First Contentful Paint – 6.9s
Speed Index – 7.1s
Largest Contentful Paint – 7.0s
Time to Interactive – 7.7s
Total Blocking Time – 620ms
Cumulative Layout Shift – 1.003
Major Opportunities:
Minimize main-thread work – 4s
Reduce javascript execution time – 2.4s
Eliminate render-blocking resources – 3.68s
Remove unused javascript – 1.05s
Preload key requests – 0.81s
Remove unused CSS – 0.45s
Avoid chaining critical requests – 15 chains found
- The topic ‘W3 Total Cache – no change in performance after setup/run’ is closed to new replies.
