How can I improve my Page Speed in Webflow to eliminate render-blocking resources and improve the first paint of my page?

To improve page speed in Webflow and eliminate render-blocking resources, you'll need to optimize how scripts, styles, and media are loaded to enhance the first paint.

1. Defer or Move Custom Scripts

• Place custom scripts in the Footer instead of the Head. Go to Page Settings > Custom Code > Footer Code and move any non-essential JavaScript there.
• Use the “defer” or “async” attribute for third-party script URLs when possible. In Webflow, you can manually add these in the script tag when embedding via Custom Code.

2. Minimize and Consolidate CSS

• Use Webflow’s built-in CSS minification: Enabled by default in Site Settings > Publishing > Minify CSS.
• Consolidate styles by minimizing the use of multiple Webflow style sheets across different symbols and pages.

3. Optimize and Lazy-Load Images

• Use Webflow’s built-in responsive image generation by uploading high-resolution images once; Webflow handles multiple sizes automatically.
• Apply lazy loading (loading="lazy") to all offscreen images and videos. Webflow adds this by default for most image elements.

4. Limit Use of Web Fonts

• Reduce the number of custom fonts and weights. Only use essential font family variants (e.g., Regular and Bold) to minimize font file size.
• Avoid multiple font providers (like mixing Google Fonts with Typekit).

5. Use Preload Strategically

• Use on-page Custom Code to preload critical assets (e.g., above-the-fold images or your main font). Example: <link rel="preload" as="font" href="..." type="font/woff2" crossorigin>.
• Keep in mind Webflow does not yet offer a native UI for preload directives, so this must be coded manually.

6. Reduce Third-Party Scripts and Integrations

• Audit for unnecessary chat widgets, analytics tools, or embeds (e.g., YouTube iframes, heatmaps).
• Load third-party scripts only when needed or after user interaction (e.g., load YouTube after someone clicks a play button).

7. Delay Non-Critical Animations

• Use the “While page is scrolling” or “After page load” triggers wisely in interactions.
• Eliminate or delay animations that slow down initial viewport rendering.

8. Enable Webflow's Performance Options

• In Site Settings > Publishing, ensure both Minify HTML and Minify CSS are enabled.
• Enable asset compression via Webflow’s automatic asset optimization.

Summary

To speed up your Webflow site’s first paint and reduce render-blocking resources: move scripts to the footer with defer/async, minify and combine CSS, lazy-load images, streamline fonts, and limit third-party tools. These steps will significantly improve load time and user experience.