Third-party scripts: chat widgets, trackers, and the performance tax
Short answer: Every third-party script adds DNS, TLS, download, and main-thread work—audit widgets you truly need, especially on mobile.
NZ SMEs stack chat, reviews, heatmaps, and ads until the site feels sluggish—then blame hosting.
Inventory and classify
- Essential: payments, analytics with consent, critical chat.
- Optional: novelty widgets with unclear ROI.
Load discipline
Defer non-critical scripts, load chat after interaction, and avoid duplicate trackers.
Privacy alignment
Document processors in your privacy notice; respect consent choices.
Frequently asked questions
Will Tag Manager slow the site?
It can—keep containers lean and audit tags quarterly.
Are review widgets mandatory?
Embed thoughtfully—sometimes a simple link out performs a heavy iframe.