7 Methods for improving software performance for SMBs

Efficient software performance can be the difference between smooth sailing and constant firefighting. Slow, unresponsive applications can frustrate users, hinder productivity, and ultimately impact your bottom line. According to a report by Dynatrace, 74% of users will abandon a website if it takes longer than five seconds to load. So, how can SMBs ensure their software is up to the task? Here are seven methods to improve software performance and keep your business running at full throttle.

1. Optimise your code

The foundation of high-performing software is efficient, optimised code. Bloated, poorly written code can slow down your application and increase the likelihood of bugs and crashes.

Why it matters: According to a study by Stripe, developers spend 42% of their time dealing with bad code, costing companies an estimated $85 billion annually in lost productivity.

How to optimise:

• Refactor regularly: Periodically review and refactor your code to eliminate inefficiencies and improve readability.
• Use efficient algorithms: Choose the most appropriate algorithms and data structures for your application’s needs.
• Minimise dependencies: Reduce the number of external libraries and frameworks your application relies on, as they can introduce unnecessary bloat.

By keeping your codebase lean and efficient, you can significantly boost your software’s performance. For more strategies on improving your software's effectiveness, check out 9 Ways Industry Leading Software Can Grow Your Business.

2. Implement caching

Caching is a powerful technique to speed up your application by storing frequently accessed data in memory, reducing the need for repetitive database queries or complex computations.

Why it matters: According to Amazon, every 100ms of latency can cost them 1% in sales. While your SMB might not be Amazon, the principle still applies—faster applications lead to better user experiences and higher conversion rates.

How to implement:

• Database caching: Use tools like Redis or Memcached to store frequently queried database results.
• Web caching: Implement content delivery networks (CDNs) like Cloudflare or Akamai to cache static assets closer to your users.
• Application caching: Cache frequently accessed data or results of expensive computations within your application.

Proper caching can dramatically reduce load times and improve the responsiveness of your software. Learn more about essential software features for your business in 10 Key Features Every SMB Web Application Should Have.

3. Leverage cloud services

Cloud services offer scalable resources that can adapt to your business’s needs, ensuring your software performs well even under varying loads.

Why it matters: A study by Flexera found that 94% of enterprises already use cloud services, and for good reason. The scalability, reliability, and flexibility of the cloud can significantly enhance software performance.

How to leverage:

• Auto-scaling: Use cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to automatically scale your resources based on demand.
• Load balancing: Distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers to prevent any single server from becoming a bottleneck.
• Managed services: Utilise managed databases, storage solutions, and other services to offload maintenance and optimise performance.

By moving to the cloud, you can ensure that your software remains performant even as your business grows. To discover how outsourcing can help manage these transitions, explore 7 Reasons Why You Should Outsource Your Software Development.

4. Monitor and analyse performance

Regular monitoring and analysis of your software’s performance can help you identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

Why it matters: According to a survey by SolarWinds, 77% of IT professionals believe that monitoring is crucial for identifying performance issues and preventing downtime.

How to monitor:

• Application performance monitoring (APM): Use tools like New Relic, Dynatrace, or AppDynamics to track key performance metrics and identify issues in real-time.
• Log analysis: Implement logging frameworks and analyse logs using tools like ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) to gain insights into application behaviour.
• User feedback: Collect feedback from users to identify pain points and areas that require optimisation.

Continuous monitoring and analysis can help you stay ahead of performance issues and ensure a smooth user experience. If you're looking for expert services to enhance your software's performance, consider our Best Performance Monitoring Services.

5. Optimise database performance

The performance of your database can have a significant impact on the overall speed and responsiveness of your application.

Why it matters: According to a report by VividCortex, 40% of application performance issues originate from the database layer.

How to optimise:

• Indexing: Create indexes on frequently queried columns to speed up data retrieval.
• Query optimisation: Regularly review and optimise your SQL queries to reduce execution time.
• Database sharding: Distribute your database across multiple servers to balance the load and improve performance for large datasets.

By optimising your database, you can ensure that your application can handle increasing amounts of data without slowing down. To explore more advanced techniques for optimising your software, visit 10 Advanced Engineering Techniques to Optimise Your MVP.

6. Enhance front-end performance

The performance of your front-end plays a crucial role in how users perceive the speed and responsiveness of your application.

Why it matters: Google found that 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than three seconds to load, underscoring the importance of fast, efficient front-end performance.

How to enhance:

• Minify assets: Reduce the size of your CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files by removing unnecessary characters and whitespace.
• Lazy loading: Defer the loading of non-essential assets until they are needed, improving initial load times.
• Optimise images: Compress images and use modern formats like WebP to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality.

Enhancing front-end performance ensures that users have a fast, seamless experience, reducing bounce rates and improving engagement. For further insights into software development strategies, explore 9 Point Checklist for Choosing the Right Software Development Agency.

7. Conduct regular performance testing

Regular performance testing helps you understand how your application behaves under different conditions and identify areas for improvement.

Why it matters: A report by Capgemini revealed that 52% of companies experience performance issues post-deployment, highlighting the need for thorough testing.

How to test:

• Load testing: Simulate heavy loads to see how your application performs under stress. Tools like Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, or Gatling can help with this.
• Stress testing: Push your application beyond its limits to identify breaking points and areas for improvement.
• Endurance testing: Run tests over extended periods to ensure your application can handle sustained usage.

By conducting regular performance testing, you can proactively address issues and ensure your application remains reliable and efficient. For more guidance on improving your MVP's performance, consider reading 7 Key Ways to Gather and Implement User Feedback on Your MVP.

By implementing these seven methods, SMBs can significantly improve their software performance, ensuring that their applications run smoothly, scale effectively, and deliver an exceptional user experience. With optimised software, your business can enhance productivity, retain users, and achieve long-term success. For more resources and services to boost your software development process, visit our SmartPandas.