Implement lazy loading for images and videos to improve load times

Load times significantly impact user experience, SEO rankings, and ultimately, conversion rates. As marketing experts, we understand the importance of optimising every aspect of a website, and implementing lazy loading for images and videos is a strategic move to enhance performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to implement lazy loading effectively.

Understanding Lazy Loading

Lazy loading is a technique where images and videos are only loaded when they enter the viewport, rather than loading all at once when the page is initially accessed. This staggered loading approach reduces initial page load time, improves server performance, and provides a smoother user experience, especially on mobile devices.

Steps to Implement Lazy Loading

1. Evaluate Your Current Setup: Begin by auditing your website to identify which images and videos are contributing to slower load times. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix can help pinpoint these elements.

2. Choose the Right Lazy Loading Technique:

   • Native Lazy Loading: Modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox support the loading="lazy" attribute. This is the simplest method as it requires minimal code changes. Add this attribute to your <img> and <iframe> tags, like so:

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     1<img src="image.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Description"> 2<iframe src="video.mp4" loading="lazy"></iframe>

   • JavaScript Libraries: For browsers that don’t support native lazy loading or for more advanced control, use JavaScript libraries such as lazysizes. This library is lightweight and offers features like lazy loading background images and iframes.

3. Implementing Lazy Loading:

   • Native Method: Simply update your HTML image and video tags with the loading="lazy" attribute.

   • JavaScript Library Method:

     • Integrate the Library: Include the lazysizes script in your HTML:

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       1<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/lazysizes/5.3.0/lazysizes.min.js" async></script>

     • Modify Your HTML Tags: Add the class="lazyload" to your image and video tags:

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       1<img data-src="image.jpg" class="lazyload" alt="Description"> 2<iframe data-src="video.mp4" class="lazyload"></iframe>

     • Adjust CSS for Background Images: Use the data-bg attribute for background images:

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       1<div class="lazyload" data-bg="background.jpg"></div>

4. Testing and Monitoring: Post-implementation, use tools like Lighthouse or WebPageTest to ensure lazy loading is functioning as expected. Monitor your site’s performance metrics to verify improvements in load times and user engagement.

5. Continual Optimisation: Regularly review your site’s performance, especially after adding new media content. Ensure that your lazy loading strategy aligns with updates in browser capabilities and user expectations.

Budget Management Implications

From a media buying perspective, faster load times can improve quality scores in platforms like Google Ads, potentially reducing cost-per-click (CPC) and enhancing ad performance. This efficiency should be considered when allocating budgets for digital advertising campaigns.

Final Thoughts

Implementing lazy loading is a strategic enhancement that aligns with Optimise Your Marketing’s BIG12 approach by improving website performance, a critical component of our comprehensive digital strategy. By ensuring that your website’s media assets load efficiently, you not only enhance user experience but also improve your site’s SEO and advertising effectiveness. As marketing experts, staying abreast of such optimisations is key to maintaining a competitive edge in the digital space.