Founder of Goodspeed
A beautifully designed Framer website can still suffer from slow loading speeds, poor user experience, and SEO setbacks if not properly optimised.
A structured Framer website performance audit helps identify hidden inefficiencies, from large media files to excessive animations, ensuring your site remains fast and engaging.
Whether you're a startup founder, marketer, or non-technical site manager, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to evaluate and enhance your Framer website’s performance.
1. Why Conduct a Performance Audit on Framer Websites
A Framer website may appear sleek, but beneath the surface, inefficient design elements, unoptimised assets, or third-party integrations can slow it down. A structured audit helps uncover these bottlenecks, improve SEO rankings, and enhance the user experience—ensuring visitors stay engaged and convert.
1.1 Spotting Hidden Bottlenecks
Performance issues in Framer websites often stem from large image files, unnecessary animations, or excessive nested elements. These seemingly minor design choices can add milliseconds to load times, which directly impacts user retention and SEO.
For example, a marketing agency might add multiple high-resolution images and autoplaying videos on a homepage, thinking it enhances engagement. However, without compression and lazy loading, these elements can significantly slow the page, leading to higher bounce rates and lower conversions.
A good example is Formula Bot, which saw a 75% faster loading speed after performance optimisations by Goodspeed—demonstrating the impact of identifying and resolving bottlenecks.
1.2 SEO & User Experience Impact
Google prioritises fast-loading websites because they create better user experiences. Sites on the first page of search results load in an average of 1.65 seconds, making speed a critical ranking factor.
In Framer’s ecosystem, optimising Core Web Vitals—Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)—is essential. A slow LCP means users wait too long for the main content to load, while poor CLS leads to frustrating layout shifts.
Performance also directly influences business metrics. A 1-second delay in page load time can cause a 7% drop in conversions, impacting revenue.
For those using Framer templates, following SEO best practices ensures optimised site speed without sacrificing design quality.
1.3 Frequency of Audits
How often should you conduct a performance audit?
Monthly or Quarterly: Recommended for content-heavy sites with regular updates.
After Major Redesigns: Any structural or visual changes can unintentionally slow your site.
Before High-Traffic Events: If launching a campaign, ensure your site can handle an influx of visitors.
Skipping audits can result in gradual performance degradation. For example, The Nations collaborated with Goodspeed for a Framer website and saw significantly improved load times by maintaining a structured audit process.
2. Preparation: Gathering Essential Data
Before making changes, you need baseline performance data to compare results post-audit. This involves running diagnostic tools and creating an inventory of assets to track what’s slowing down your site.
2.1 Baseline Metrics: Lighthouse & PageSpeed Insights
Two essential tools for measuring Framer website performance are:
Google Lighthouse: Generates a detailed audit report on performance, accessibility, and SEO.
PageSpeed Insights: Evaluates real-world load speeds and suggests optimisations.
Start by testing your homepage, high-traffic pages, and landing pages, noting scores before making any changes. A financial services website, for instance, improved Google Lighthouse scores after migrating to Framer by following this structured approach.
To track progress, store pre-audit scores, key issues, and improvement targets in a simple spreadsheet. This method makes it easier to validate enhancements later.
2.2 Inventory Your Assets & Components
Heavy images, large fonts, and unused design elements often inflate load times without adding value. Conduct a manual review of your Framer project, focusing on:
Images & Videos: Identify high-resolution files that can be compressed.
Fonts & Icons: Limit custom font variations and unnecessary icon packs.
Embedded Code: Document third-party scripts that may slow performance.
By categorising assets based on size, usage frequency, and importance, you can streamline site optimisation by deciding what to optimise, replace, or remove.
3. Analysing Framer-Specific Factors
Framer’s no-code interface offers flexibility, but some features require careful management to maintain performance. Reviewing page structures, animations, and hosting settings can significantly impact speed.
3.1 Project Structure & Page Layouts
Overcomplicated layouts, nested frames, and hidden layers can increase rendering times. Framer allows users to build visually intricate designs, but simplifying page structures leads to faster performance.
Optimisation Tips:
Avoid excessive nesting—flatten page hierarchies where possible.
Delete hidden or unused elements that still load in the background.
Optimise auto-layouts to reduce rendering complexity.
For a more detailed guide on structuring Framer projects efficiently, check out Optimising Your Framer Template for Speed and Performance.
3.2 Animations & Interactive Elements
Animations enhance user experience but can become resource-heavy if overused. A best practice is to limit high-motion effects and replace complex interactions with lightweight transitions.
Performance Fixes:
Reduce overlapping animations to prevent frame drops.
Use CSS animations instead of JavaScript where possible.
Load animations on user interaction rather than autoplay.
3.3 Framer Hosting & Publish Settings
Framer’s built-in hosting automatically optimises assets, but there are manual tweaks that can further enhance speed optimisation.
Enable preloading for critical assets like fonts and images.
Check image formats—convert large PNGs to WebP for faster rendering.
Use global publishing settings to ensure consistent performance across pages.
With these improvements, a Framer-powered financial services site achieved rapid load times while maintaining a premium design.
4. Diving Into Asset & Media Audits
Unoptimised images and videos are among the biggest contributors to slow page speeds. A thorough media audit ensures your Framer website loads efficiently without sacrificing visual quality.
4.1 Image/Video Size & Format
Large, uncompressed images and autoplaying videos often hinder speed optimisation in Framer websites. High-resolution hero images, background videos, and custom graphics are often the biggest culprits.
Optimisation Strategies:
Convert images to WebP to reduce file size while maintaining clarity.
Use lazy loading to defer offscreen images and videos, improving initial load speed.
Compress videos before uploading or embed them from performance-friendly platforms like Vimeo instead of self-hosting.
A structured Framer website performance audit should identify these inefficiencies and address them before they impact user experience.
4.2 Unused Assets & Components
Over time, legacy design elements can accumulate, such as outdated images, unused icons, or old prototypes. Even if these assets are hidden, they still contribute to page weight.
Quick Fixes:
Remove old graphics, icons, and prototype elements no longer in use.
Audit the Framer CMS to eliminate duplicate or unnecessary content.
Use Framer’s built-in asset management to track heavy media files and streamline site optimisation.
5. Evaluating External Scripts & Integrations
Third-party tools can add functionality but also slow down your site. This section helps you decide which integrations are worth keeping and which are better removed or optimised.
5.1 Tracking & Analytics
Websites often run multiple analytics platforms—Google Analytics, Hotjar, Facebook Pixel—all tracking the same data. If not optimised, these scripts create unnecessary overhead.
Optimisation Tips:
Use Google Tag Manager to consolidate tracking scripts and reduce the number of direct third-party calls.
Set analytics scripts to load asynchronously to prevent delays in page rendering.
Evaluate which tracking tools are truly necessary—excessive scripts can negatively impact Framer performance, making it crucial to consolidate and streamline analytics tools.
For a detailed breakdown, refer to Integrating Third-Party Tools with Your Framer Template.
5.2 Embedded Third-Party Services
Many Framer websites use chat widgets, social media embeds, or external forms. While these tools enhance engagement, they can significantly increase load times.
Key Considerations:
Live chat plugins: Test whether they impact site speed—consider conditional loading.
Social media feeds: Instead of embedding entire feeds, use lightweight share buttons.
Custom forms: Use native Framer forms where possible instead of heavy third-party scripts.
A Framer-powered consulting marketplace reduced third-party dependencies and saw significant efficiency gains—saving 40+ weekly hours through automation.
6. Creating an Actionable Prioritisation List
Once your Framer website performance audit reveals bottlenecks, prioritising fixes ensures faster improvements and long-term performance gains.
6.1 Ranking Issues by Impact vs. Effort
Not all optimisations deliver the same ROI. Some quick fixes can provide instant improvements, while others require more effort but offer long-term benefits.
Prioritisation Framework:
Catergory | Examples | Action Level |
|---|---|---|
High Impact, Low Effort | Compressing images, minifying | Fix immediately |
High Impact, High Effort | Redesigning page structures, | Plan for phased |
Low Impact, Low Effort | Adjusting minor animations, | Fix when possible |
Low Impact, High Effort | Overhauling entire design for | Consider postponing |
6.2 Developing a Performance Roadmap
A structured roadmap ensures efficient execution of optimisations. Use Trello, Notion, or a simple spreadsheet to track tasks with columns like:
✅ Issue
✅ Priority Level
✅ Assigned Team Member
✅ Status (To Do, In Progress, Completed)
7. Implementing Quick Wins & Testing Again
Once key issues are identified and prioritised, start with quick wins that deliver immediate performance improvements. After implementing fixes, re-run tests to measure progress and identify any remaining bottlenecks.
7.1 Addressing the Easiest Fixes First
Certain optimisations require minimal effort but can drastically enhance Framer performance without disrupting design quality. These should be prioritised before tackling more complex adjustments.
Quick Fixes for Immediate Impact:
Compress oversized images using tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh.
Minify CSS and JavaScript to eliminate unnecessary code.
Reduce excessive animations that contribute to rendering delays.
Remove redundant design elements such as hidden layers or outdated sections.
Enable lazy loading for images and videos to improve initial page load times.
A structured Framer website performance audit ensures these quick fixes are addressed early in the optimisation process.
7.2 Post-Fix Performance Check
After implementing optimisations, run another round of Lighthouse and PageSpeed Insights tests to measure improvements.
Steps for Testing Post-Fixes:
Compare before-and-after scores to evaluate impact.
Identify lingering performance issues—if certain metrics haven’t improved, they may require deeper fixes.
Check real-user experience using tools like WebPageTest to see how actual visitors experience your site.
Test on multiple devices to ensure speed optimisation is consistent across desktop and mobile.
8. Common Mistakes During a Framer Performance Audit
Even experienced teams can overlook critical factors when conducting a Framer website performance audit. This section highlights common mistakes and how to avoid them.
8.1 Ignoring Mobile-First Testing
One of the biggest errors in site optimisation is focusing solely on desktop performance. Mobile users account for the majority of web traffic, yet their experience is often neglected.
Fix:
Run audits using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Simulate slower network speeds to understand real-world performance.
Reduce large hero images and complex animations that hinder mobile load times.
Mobile pages load 70.9% slower than desktop pages on average, making mobile-first testing essential.
8.2 Not Documenting Changes
Skipping documentation leads to confusion when tracking improvements or troubleshooting new issues. Without a clear record, it’s difficult to determine which edits improved or worsened performance.
Fix:
Maintain a performance log documenting every change and its impact.
Use project management tools like Notion or ClickUp to track completed optimisations.
Store before-and-after test results in a shared drive for easy reference.
A structured workflow, as demonstrated by Goodspeed in Zen Educate’s project, ensures seamless collaboration and tracking of improvements.
8.3 Over-Optimising the Design
In an attempt to boost Framer performance, some teams strip away too many visual elements, compromising user engagement and branding. While speed optimisation is crucial, removing all animations or design flourishes can make the site feel dull.
Fix:
Balance performance with aesthetics—simplify animations instead of removing them entirely.
Use lightweight CSS-based animations instead of resource-heavy JavaScript effects.
Test changes with real users to ensure optimisations don’t negatively impact brand perception.
Conclusion
Performance audits should not be one-time tasks—they are an essential part of long-term speed optimisation and ongoing maintenance. As your Framer website evolves, new assets, integrations, and updates can gradually impact speed.
To maintain optimal performance, set a regular optimisation schedule:
✅ Monthly: Run quick performance checks and address minor inefficiencies.
✅ Quarterly: Conduct a full Framer website performance audit to catch hidden issues.
✅ After Major Updates: If launching a redesign or adding new features, re-test load times and Core Web Vitals.
Want expert guidance on Framer speed optimisation? Our team at Goodspeed has helped businesses achieve exceptional website performance—from startups to enterprise brands.
Book a free consultation to optimise your Framer website speed. Download our Framer migration checklist for more guidance.
Written By
Harish Malhi
Founder of Goodspeed
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