Why is Wix So Slow

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and have provided technical insights into why is wix so slow, equipping you with solutions for faster, more competitive sites.

Wix is a popular website builder known for its ease of use, attractive templates, and all-in-one features. However, one of the main complaints from users is that their websites load slowly compared to other platforms like WordPress or Squarespace. Slow performance not only frustrates visitors but also affects SEO, as Google considers page speed a key ranking factor.

This article explains why Wix websites are sometimes slow, how it impacts your online presence, and what steps you can take to improve loading speed.

1. Heavy Code and Built-In Features

Wix is designed to be beginner-friendly, which means it includes many pre-built tools and features. These features are powered by complex scripts and code that run in the background. While this makes customisation easy, it also increases the amount of data that must load every time someone visits your website.

Each widget, animation, and app adds extra weight to your pages. For example, features like live chat, social feeds, and background videos can significantly slow down loading times if overused.

How to Fix It

• Only use essential apps and features.

• Disable animations or effects that aren’t necessary.

• Simplify your page design to reduce unnecessary code.

2. Large Images and Media Files

High-resolution images and videos can make a Wix website look great, but they can also cause slow loading speeds if they’re not optimised properly. Wix automatically compresses some images, but large files still take time to load especially for users on slower internet connections.

How to Fix It

• Resize and compress images before uploading them.

• Use the correct file format (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics).

• Avoid autoplay background videos or use shorter clips.

3. Poor Server Response Times

Wix hosts all websites on its own servers. While this is convenient, it also means you rely entirely on Wix’s infrastructure for speed and uptime. During periods of high traffic or server congestion, websites can slow down, especially for users in regions far from Wix’s main data centres.

How to Fix It

• Use Wix’s built-in caching options to help browsers store data locally.

• Consider upgrading to a premium plan, which may include faster server performance.

• Limit the use of large third-party scripts that increase server load.

4. Excessive Use of Apps and Plugins

Wix’s App Market offers hundreds of integrations that enhance functionality, such as contact forms, booking systems, and pop-ups. However, each additional app can introduce new scripts that load alongside your website content. The more apps you install, the slower your site can become.

How to Fix It

• Regularly review and remove unused apps.

• Replace multiple apps with a single tool that performs several functions.

• Test website speed after installing new plugins to ensure they don’t cause delays.

5. Inefficient Mobile Optimisation

Even though Wix templates are mobile-responsive, heavy content and complex layouts can still slow down mobile performance. Mobile users expect fast-loading sites, and poor mobile speed can lead to high bounce rates.

How to Fix It

• Use Wix’s mobile editor to simplify layouts for smaller screens.

• Reduce the number of elements per page.

• Optimise images separately for mobile devices.

6. Too Many External Scripts and Tracking Codes

Adding tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and third-party chat software helps track performance and engagement, but they also add extra requests to your website. Each external script has to load separately, increasing total load time.

How to Fix It

• Remove unnecessary tracking codes.

• Use tag management systems to load scripts efficiently.

• Combine or delay non-essential scripts so they don’t affect initial load speed.

7. Wix’s Platform Limitations

Wix is built on a closed infrastructure, meaning users have limited control over technical optimisation. Unlike open-source platforms such as WordPress, you can’t directly edit server settings, use advanced caching plugins, or control how JavaScript and CSS files load.

This restriction limits how much you can optimise performance at a technical level.

How to Fix It

• Focus on what you can control, such as content optimisation and media size.

• Keep your website design simple and lightweight.

• Use Wix’s built-in tools like “Site Speed Dashboard” to identify issues.

8. Overly Complex Templates

Wix offers beautifully designed templates, but some are heavier than others. Templates with animations, dynamic backgrounds, or multiple interactive elements require more processing power to render.

How to Fix It

• Choose a simpler template with minimal animation.

• Customise your design to reduce visual complexity.

• Test the speed of your chosen template before launching your site.

9. Large Homepages with Too Much Content

Many Wix users try to include all information on a single page to make navigation easier. However, long pages filled with videos, galleries, and multiple sections take longer to load.

How to Fix It

• Spread content across multiple pages instead of one long homepage.

• Use collapsible sections or tabs to organise information.

• Prioritise loading above-the-fold content first.

10. Lack of Regular Maintenance

Over time, websites accumulate unused files, old images, and unnecessary elements that can slow performance. Regular maintenance helps keep your Wix site clean and efficient.

How to Fix It

• Audit your website monthly for unused content or outdated pages.

• Delete old media files or unneeded sections.

• Recheck your site speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

Why Site Speed Matters for SEO

Google considers page speed an important ranking factor, especially for mobile searches. A slow site not only ranks lower but also loses potential customers who won’t wait for a page to load. Research shows that even a one-second delay can reduce conversions significantly.

Fast-loading pages improve user experience, encourage longer visits, and send positive signals to search engines about your site’s quality.

When to Consider Moving Platforms

If you’ve optimised your Wix site as much as possible and it still runs slowly, it may be time to consider migrating to a more flexible platform like WordPress. While Wix is ideal for beginners, WordPress offers greater control over performance optimisation, caching, and server management.

Final Thoughts

Wix is a great tool for small businesses and beginners, but its convenience can come at the cost of speed. Most performance issues arise from excessive features, large media files, and limited optimisation options. The good news is that with a few adjustments like simplifying design, compressing images, and managing apps you can significantly improve your Wix website’s speed and overall SEO performance.

At Lillian Purge, we help local businesses optimise their websites for both speed and visibility. Whether your site is built on Wix or another platform, our local SEO strategies ensure your business performs well in search results and provides a fast, seamless experience for customers.

We have also written in depth articles on What is Wix? and Why Wix Fails Local Businesses: A Local SEO Breakdown as well as our Wix Hub to give you further guidance.