Shopify Themes That Slow Site Speed & Fast Alternatives

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The speed of your website is a pivotal factor in determining its success. In this guide, we'll discuss why site speed is crucial for online sales, reasons behind some themes being slower than others, and what to consider when choosing a Shopify theme. We'll also provide a list of fast alternatives for slow Shopify themes. 

Why Is Website Speed Crucial for Online Sales? 

Site speed directly influences multiple aspects of online sales:

• Conversion rates: A one-second improvement in site speed can potentially increase conversions for mobile users by 27%, according to Google.
• User experience: A faster loading site provides a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.
• Bounce rate: Slow load speed themes can lead to higher bounce rates.
• Google search engine rankings: Faster sites tend to rank better on Google.
• Repeat customers: Customers are more likely to return to a site that loads quickly and efficiently. 

Why are Some Themes Fast and Some Slow? 

Fast and slow website themes differ primarily due to the following factors: 

• Code quantity: Faster themes contain less code, allowing them to be processed quicker by the server.
• File size: Smaller file sizes make themes easier to download.
• JavaScript dependency: Themes that don't rely heavily on jQuery JavaScript library or JavaScript in general render pages faster.
• CSS cleanliness: Themes with cleaner CSS and inline CSS render faster. 

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Shopify Theme? 

Choosing the right Shopify theme is crucial for the success of your online store. Here are some key factors you should consider:

• Speed: How fast your site loads can significantly impact customer satisfaction and conversion rates. Avoid themes known for slow load times.
• Design: The aesthetics of your online store should align with your brand image. Choose a theme that complements your products and appeals to your target audience.
• Flexibility: The ability to customize your theme to suit your specific needs is essential. Look for themes that offer plenty of customization options.
• Responsiveness: In today's mobile-first world, ensure your chosen theme is responsive and provides an excellent user experience on all devices.
• SEO-Friendliness: Search engine optimization is crucial for driving organic traffic to your site. Choose a theme built with SEO best practices in mind.
• Customer Support: Check if the theme provider offers reliable support. It can be invaluable when you need help or encounter problems with the theme. 

By considering these factors, you can choose a Shopify theme that not only looks good but also enhances your store's performance and profitability. 

Slow Load Speed Shopify Themes 

If you're considering a new theme for your Shopify store, it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls – particularly when it comes to loading speeds. 

Here are five themes that, despite their attractive designs, have been identified as some of the slowest, potentially impacting your site's performance and user engagement:

1. Empire: With a page speed score of 0.68 (on a scale where 1 is the fastest), Empire ranks as one of the slower Shopify themes. Slow load times can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings.
2. Atlantic: Atlantic shares the same speed score as Empire, making it another theme to avoid if you're seeking optimal site speed. It's important to remember that website speed is crucial for maintaining a low bounce rate and high conversion rates.
3. Symmetry: Symmetry has a slightly lower speed score of 0.67. While it may offer certain appealing design elements, its slow speed could potentially harm your site's performance and user engagement.
4. Prestige: Prestige is another Shopify theme with a relatively low speed score (0.66). Despite its elegant design tailored for premium, high-end brands, its slow speed could be a deterrent for some users.
5. Avone: Despite being listed among the fastest themes by some, other sources suggest that Avone could be slower than expected due to its rich feature set and complex design. This could increase the site's load time, affecting user experience and conversions. 

Fastest Shopify Themes 

If slow load speed Shopify themes have been slowing down your site, consider these faster alternatives:

1. Turbo: Turbo from Out Of The Sandbox is renowned as the fastest Shopify theme. It's designed specifically for large eCommerce stores and supports visual storytelling.
2. Flex: A sequel to Turbo Theme, Flex was released in 2019 by the Out Of The Sandbox team and is known for its speed.
3. Booster Theme: Continually updated, Booster Theme is fast and feature-rich. It offers geo-personalised tags, mobile optimization, customizable cart page, lazy loading, and an image auto optimizer.
4. Shella: Shella is a super-fast, responsive Shopify theme with premium features. It offers SEO-friendly design, mobile optimization, quick view feature, and custom product tabs.
5. Fastor: Shopify's best-seller for 2019, Fastor is a cutting-edge theme that's super-fast and feature-packed.
6. Debutify: Debutify is a free, high-converting Shopify theme suitable for all products and industries.
7. Blum: A new entry by Sales Hunter Themes, Blum is targeted at fashion brands and promises high page speed.
8. Shoptimized: Shoptimized offers conversion-boosting tools, mobile-first design, SEO optimization, and 24/7 support. 

While there are slow Shopify themes that can hinder your site's performance, several fast alternatives can significantly improve your website speed and enhance user experience. Selecting the right theme is crucial for ensuring the success of your online store. 

Why You Should Choose Us for Shopify Optimization 

If your Shopify website is struggling with slow speeds, it's time to consider a professional intervention. At Fix My Site Speed, we specialize in website and Shopify speed optimization, ensuring your site performs at its best and provides an excellent user experience. 

Don't let a slow website impact your business – contact us today for a comprehensive speed optimization service that can help you keep pace with your competition.

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