What Is Resource Hints in SEO?
Use Cases
Preload key assets like fonts or hero images on high-traffic pages to render content faster and boost Core Web Vitals scores.
Use preconnect or dns-prefetch to establish early connections with third-party domains like CDNs, analytics, or ad networks.
Faster Time to First Byte (TTFB) and First Contentful Paint (FCP) using resource hints can enhance user satisfaction and search rankings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of resource hints?
Common types include preload, prefetch, preconnect, and dns-prefetch—each serving a unique role in resource prioritization.
When should I use preload vs. prefetch?
Use preload for assets needed immediately for rendering; use prefetch for resources needed on future navigated pages.
Do resource hints improve Core Web Vitals?
Yes. Proper hinting improves metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and First Input Delay (FID), which benefit SEO.
Can I use resource hints with Google Tag Manager?
Overusing hints can overwhelm the browser and reduce overall performance, so use them selectively and strategically.
Are there risks to using too many resource hints?
Use tools like Lighthouse or WebPageTest to benchmark load times with and without resource hints implemented.
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