Knowing your limit.
WHAT YOU CAN DO YOURSELF
Resize and compress images Enable caching Update PHP Remove plugins and scripts Clean the database
That covers most of the available improvement.
WHEN TO GET A DEVELOPER
Custom code causing problems A theme requiring modification Persistent database issues Anything requiring changes you cannot make safely
WHEN TO ASK US
Anything server-side Resource limits you cannot explain Errors you cannot diagnose
WHAT TO TELL US
What you have already tried What you measured Whether it affects one page or all
THAT LAST POINT
One page suggests content. All pages suggests configuration or resources.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Buy a larger plan before trying caching and images.
Frequently the problem is fixable at no cost, and we would rather tell you that.
WHAT TO BE WARY OF
Anyone promising a specific score, or selling optimisation without measuring first.
