How can I improve my mobile site performance in Webflow, despite already implementing recommended changes?
TL;DR
- Resize and convert images (e.g., to WebP), use lazy loading, and prioritize mobile-specific asset optimization.
- Simplify or remove complex interactions and animations for better rendering on mobile.
- Limit third-party scripts and embeds, replace with static elements, and defer or async load scripts.
- Use visibility settings to hide unnecessary desktop elements and create mobile-only lightweight content.
- Minimize font styles, use system fonts or self-hosted optimized fonts.
- Regularly audit with Lighthouse for mobile-specific performance issues.
- Use pagination or filtering for large CMS lists to reduce initial page load on mobile.
If you've already applied the common recommendations and your mobile site performance in Webflow is still underperforming, here are deeper-level optimizations you can focus on.
1. Audit and Prioritize Mobile Assets
- Resize images specifically for mobile—not just responsive width, but optimized dimensions. A 2500px-wide image scaled down by CSS still weighs the same.
- Use WebP format for image assets when possible. This format significantly reduces size without major quality loss.
- Set images and iframes to
loading="lazy"to delay off-screen loading, reducing initial load.
2. Minimize and Consolidate Interactions
- Reduce custom animations or complex interactions on mobile. Excessive use can slow rendering on lower-end devices.
- Avoid timed loops and complex scroll-based animations for mobile visitors. Use simpler alternatives.
3. Check Embedded Code and Third-Party Scripts
- Limit third-party embeds, like YouTube, Instagram, or chat widgets. These often block rendering or add significant weight.
- Replace iframe embeds with static preview images and open the actual content in modals or new tabs.
- Defer or async third-party scripts in the Page Settings > Custom Code section where possible.
4. Use Mobile-Specific Content Structure
- In Designer, use visibility controls to hide desktop-only content from rendering on mobile (not just from view, but prevent DOM bloat).
- Create lightweight mobile-only elements, especially for custom menus, galleries, or layouts.
5. Minimize Fonts and Styles
- Reduce the number of font weights/styles used. Stick to 1–2 font weight variants per typeface.
- Use system fonts or host your own fonts with optimized subsets to cut font load times.
6. Analyze with Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights (Mobile)
- Use Lighthouse’s mobile audit to detect issues like:
- Excessive DOM depth
- Unused JavaScript
- Render-blocking resources
- Use audit feedback to identify specifically mobile-impacting issues, even if desktop scores are high.
7. Reduce Collection List Load with Pagination or Filtering
- Long collection lists through CMS can create heavy content pages.
- Implement pagination, load-more buttons, or conditional filtering so that fewer items load upfront on mobile.
Summary
Even after standard optimization, mobile performance can lag due to heavy assets, excessive animations, third-party scripts, or unoptimized structure. Focus on mobile-first adjustments like resized images, stripped-down interactions, reduced embeds, and lightweight DOM structure to see further improvements. Always validate changes with mobile Lighthouse audits.