|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
How to Fix Excessive DOM Size in WordPress
Here are some actionable steps you can take to reduce the DOM size in your WordPress site:
1. Optimize Your Page Builder Output
If you’re using a page builder like Elementor, WPBakery, or Divi, try to optimize the structure of the pages you create:
- Minimize Section Usage: Avoid unnecessary sections, columns, and rows.
- Streamline Widgets: Use minimal widgets and avoid complex layouts where possible.
- Remove Unnecessary Elements: Clear out any redundant or non-essential elements.
Alternatively, consider switching to a lightweight page builder or using the Gutenberg editor, which produces cleaner, less bloated HTML.
2. Use a Lightweight WordPress Theme
Switch to a lightweight, well-coded theme like Astra, GeneratePress, or Neve. These themes are optimized for performance and do not generate excessive DOM elements.
3. Minimize Plugin Usage
Audit your installed plugins and remove any that are not essential. Many plugins inject extra HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into your site, adding complexity to the DOM. Where possible, combine functionalities into fewer, more efficient plugins.
4. Reduce Image and Media Embeds
Large images and embedded media (like videos or iframes) can significantly increase the number of DOM nodes. To optimize:
- Compress Images: Use tools like ShortPixel or Smush to reduce image file sizes.
- Lazy Load Images: Implement lazy loading to only load images as they come into the user’s viewport, reducing initial DOM size.
- Embed Responsibly: Avoid embedding too many external media items. For videos, consider using lazy loading or lightboxes.
