Optimizing Site Speed with Ezoic

Last updated a few days ago

Introduction

Site speed directly affects user experience and ad revenue. This article covers how Ezoic's JavaScript integration interacts with your site's performance, which third-party tools work well alongside it, and how to use Big Data Analytics to monitor speed over time.

Steps

1. Pick the right Integration Method for your site:

Only Cloudflare or name server integration allow you to utilize Ezoic's caching / CDN. However, we do recommend the JavaScript integration as it's a lightweight option, allowing you to utilize a third-party CDN and site speed optimizations alongside Ezoic for optimal flexibility.

2. Turn on Caching:

If cloud integrated, go to your Ezoic dashboard and enable the caching feature.
If JavaScript integrated, enable a third-party CDN.

3. Verify Caching Efficiency:

Check the Ezoic caching data report in Big Data Analytics to ensure caching is functioning correctly. Make sure the date range in the report starts after the date Ezoic caching was activated.
Third-party CDNs should provide similar reports.

4. Identify Caching Status:

Understand the definitions in the caching report:

Cache hit: Ezoic is caching the pageview.
Cache miss: Ezoic could not cache the pageview.
Cache off: Ezoic cache is unavailable or turned off for the pageview.

5. Reduce Cache Misses:

If cloud integrated and using Ezoic's CDN, disable other caching plugins, extensions, or external CDNs. It is recommended that you then go to the Caching App and update the following settings:

Force Caching by Device Type: Set to "ON".
Override Cache-Control Headers: Set to "ON".
Ignore Cache-Control: no-cache: Set to "ON".

6. Monitor Cache Report:

Regularly check the Ezoic Caching report in Big Data Analytics under:

Ezoic's Big Data Analytics > Site Speed tab > Caching > Ezoic Caching.

A properly functioning cache will show a high percentage of cache hits and low cache misses, regardless of whether you are using Ezoic or a third-party.

7. Troubleshoot Persistent Caching Issues:

If cloud integrated and using Ezoic's CDN, it is recommended that you disable any additional caching plugins or site speed technologies. If your host has a built-in CDN, disable it through your website dashboard or by contacting your host.

8. Enable third-party site speed optimizations

Platforms such as Cloudflare, WP Rocket, Perfmatters etc. offers tools to delay scripts, remove unused CSS, and minify various code.

Troubleshooting

Common issues cloud integrated sites may encounter with Ezoic's caching, along with their solutions, are as follows:

Cache Misses:
- Description: This occurs when Ezoic could not cache the pageview.
- Cause: Frequently caused by other caching plugins, extensions, settings at your host, or external CDNs.
- Solution:
  - Turn off additional caching plugins.
  - Go to the Caching App and change the following settings:
    - Set "Force Caching by Device Type" to "ON".
    - Set "Override Cache-Control Headers" to "ON".
    - Set "Ignore Cache-Control: no-cache" to "ON".
  - Note: Override Cache-Control Headers can break site layouts if your site requires specific headers.
Caching Issues with External Scripts or Plugins:
- Description: External scripts or plugins that are designed to “speed up a website” might prevent Ezoic from implementing best practices.
- Solution: Disable any caching plugins enabled on your site. Additionally, check if your host has a built-in CDN enabled and disable it if possible.
Revenue and Speed Trade-Offs:
- Description: Speed optimization can sometimes affect revenue.
- Solution: To balance speed with revenue:
  - Turn off script delay.
  - Turn off pre-connect.

Remember, once you've activated Ezoic's CDN, it will take a while before your cache 'hit' rate can be considered optimal.

FAQs

Does Ezoic's JavaScript integration slow down my site?

The JS snippet is asynchronous and loads independently of your page content, so it does not block page rendering. Some speed testing tools may flag it, but this does not reflect real-world user experience.

Can I use Cloudflare if I'm on JavaScript integration?

Yes. Cloudflare works alongside JS integration without any conflicts. You manage your DNS and caching through Cloudflare as normal.

Will speed optimizations affect my ad revenue?

Aggressive script delay or deferral settings can sometimes prevent ads from loading correctly, which reduces EPMV. If you notice a revenue drop after enabling speed tools, ensure that Ezoic scripts aren't delayed or altered by your optimization tool.

I'm on cloud (nameserver) integration — does this article apply to me?

Partly. The BDA monitoring guidance applies to all publishers. However, cloud-integrated publishers use Ezoic's CDN and Caching.

Overview

How JavaScript Integration Affects Site Speed

Ezoic's JavaScript integration is lightweight by design. A single script is added to your site's header, and Ezoic handles ad delivery and optimization from there. Because it doesn't act as a proxy or route traffic through Ezoic's servers, it does not interfere with your existing hosting setup, CDN, or caching configuration.

This means you retain full control over your site's speed stack and can use any third-party performance tools alongside Ezoic without conflict.

Recommended Approach: Use a Third-Party CDN

For Javascript-integrated publishers, Ezoic recommends pairing the integration with a third-party CDN and site speed tooling. Common options include:

Cloudflare — CDN, caching, and security. Free tier covers most publisher needs.
WP Rocket — WordPress-specific. Handles caching, lazy loading, script delay, and CSS optimization.
Perfmatters — Lightweight WordPress plugin for disabling unused scripts and reducing HTTP requests.

Any of these can be enabled and configured independently of Ezoic. If you are using third-party speed tools alongside Ezoic's WordPress Plugin, refer to the Third Party Optimization guide for recommended settings.

Monitoring Speed in Big Data Analytics

Ezoic's Big Data Analytics includes a dedicated Site Speed section that allows you to track performance over time using your own site's data. Key reports include:

Bounce Rate by Load Speed — shows how load time affects whether users stay on the page
Request Timing — average time to first byte, time to interactive, and content load time
Slowest Pages — identifies which pages have the longest load times
Caching — tracks cache hits, misses, and overall cache performance on Ezoic
Core Web Vitals — daily averages for LCP, CLS, and INP

Tips and Best Practices

Use script delay and unused CSS removal tools carefully.

These can significantly improve scores but may interfere with ad delivery if misconfigured. Test changes and monitor EPMV in BDA after making adjustments.

Don't optimize for speed tool scores alone.

PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix measure synthetic performance, not real user experience. BDA's bounce rate by load speed report reflects actual visitor behavior, which is a more meaningful signal.

Prioritize mobile.

The majority of publishers' traffic comes from mobile devices. Verify that your speed optimizations apply to mobile as well as desktop.

Need Further Assistance?

If you need further assistance optimizing site speed with Ezoic, please log in via https://support.ezoic.com/ to make use of our dedicated resources for support. We're here to help!

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