Scaling performance: How to im-prove Lighthouse scores from 41 to 96

A Lighthouse score is more than a metric — it’s the difference between a site that loads instantly and one that drives users away. Search ranking, conversion rate, and user trust all decline when performance drops. When we first audited this site, the performance score sat at 41, signaling significant technical debt. Within the span of a structured optimization cycle, we raised it to 96.

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1. Fixing the Core Issues

The first step was understanding what slowed the website down. Multiple Lighthouse tests revealed the same pattern: images were too large, JavaScript was doing too much too early, and third-party scripts were blocking rendering. Once we identified these root causes, we built a plan that targeted only the areas creating the majority of the slowdown.

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2. Smarter Images, Faster Load Times

Images were the biggest performance drag. We converted all major visuals into next-gen formats, compressed them properly, and ensured everything below the fold loaded only when needed. These changes drastically reduced page weight and immediately pushed the score upward.

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3. Cleaning and Simplifying the Code

The next improvement came from reducing unnecessary JavaScript and CSS. We removed libraries that weren’t being used, split code so pages only loaded what they needed, and minimized blocking styles. With less work happening on the main thread, the site became noticeably more responsive.

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4. Better Delivery Through Caching and a CDN

To ensure consistency for all visitors, we updated caching rules and routed static files through a CDN. This allowed frequently used assets to load instantly, improving both first-time visits and repeat visits across all regions.

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5. Reducing Third-Party Delays

External scripts, especially tracking tools, were creating avoidable delays. We reworked how they loaded, deferred anything non-essential, and removed tools that overlapped in functionality. The site retained all features but performed significantly faster.

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The Result

After these focused improvements, the Lighthouse score reached 96. More importantly, users experienced faster loading, quicker interaction, and a smoother browsing flow. A handful of thoughtful changes delivered a major performance win — proving you don’t need a full redesign to build a high-performing website.

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