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Top 10 SQL Query Optimization Tips to Improve Database Performance

5 minutes, 18 seconds read

SQL Query optimization is a process of writing thoughtful SQL queries to improve database performance. During development, the amount of data accessed and tested is less. Hence, developers get a quick response to the queries they write. But the problem starts when the project goes live and enormous data starts flooding the database. Such instances slow down SQL queries response drastically and create performance issues.

When working with large-scale data, even the most minor change can have a dramatic impact on performance.

SQL performance tuning can be an incredibly difficult task. Even a minor change can have a dramatic impact on performance. Here are the 10 most effective ways to optimize your SQL queries. 

  1. Indexing: Ensure proper indexing for quick access to the database.
  2. Select query: Specify the columns in SELECT query instead of SELECT* to avoid extra fetching load on the database.
  3. Running queries: Loops in query structure slows the sequence. Thus, avoid them.
  4. Matching records: Use EXITS() for matching if the record exists.
  5. Subqueries: Avoid correlated sub queries as it searches row by row, impacting the speed of SQL query processing.
  6. Wildcards: Use wildcards (e.g. %xx%) wisely as they search the entire database for matching results.
  7. Operators: Avoid using function at RHS of the operator.
  8. Fetching data: Always fetch limited data.
  9. Loading: Use a temporary table to handle bulk data.
  10. Selecting Rows: Use the clause WHERE instead of HAVING for primary filters.

SQL Query Optimization Tips with Examples

Tip 1: Proper Indexing

An index is a data structure that improves the speed of data retrieval operations on a database table. A unique index creates separate data columns without overlapping each other. Proper indexing ensures quicker access to the database, i.e. you’ll be able to select or sort rows faster. The following diagram explains the basics of indexing while structuring tables.

TIP 2: Use SELECT <columns> instead of SELECT *

Specify the columns in the SELECT clause instead of using SELECT *. The unnecessary columns place extra load on the database, which slows down not just the single SQL, but the whole system.

Inefficient

SELECT * FROM employees

This query fetches all the data stored in the “employees” table such as phone number, activity dates, notes from sales, etc. which might not be required for a particular scenario.

Efficient

SELECT first_name, last_name, mobile, city, state FROM employees

This query will fetch only selected columns.

Tip 3: Avoid running queries in a loop

Coding SQL queries in loops slows down the entire sequence. Instead of writing a query that runs in a loop, you can use bulk insert and update depending on the situation. Suppose there are 1000 records. Here, the query will execute 1000 times.

Inefficient

for ($i = 0; $i < 10; $i++) {  
  $query = “INSERT INTO TBL (A,B,C) VALUES . . . .”;  
  $mysqli->query($query);  
  printf (“New Record has id %d.\ “, $mysqli->insert_id);
}

Efficient

INSERT INTO TBL (A,B,C) VALUES (1,2,3), (4,5,6). . . .

Tip 4: Does My record exists?

Normally, developers use EXITS() or COUNT() queries for matching a record entry. However, EXIT() is more efficient as it will exit as soon as finding a matching record; whereas, COUNT() will scan the entire table even if the record is found in the first row.

Inefficient

IF (SELECT COUNT(1) FROM EMPLOYEES WHERE FIRSTNAME LIKE ‘%JOHN%’) > 0 PRINT ‘YES’

Efficient

IF EXISTS(SELECT FIRSTNAME FROM EMPLOYEES WHERE FIRSTNAME LIKE ‘%JOHN%’)
PRINT ‘YES’

Tip 5: A big NO for correlated subqueries

A correlated subquery depends on the parent or outer query. Since it executes row by row, it decreases the overall speed of the process.

Inefficient

SELECT c.Name, c.City,(SELECT CompanyName FROM Company WHERE ID = c.CompanyID) AS CompanyName FROM Customer c

Here, the problem is — the inner query is run for each row returned by the outer query. Going over the “company” table again and again for every row processed by the outer query creates process overhead. Instead, for SQL query optimization, use JOIN to solve such problems.

Efficient

SELECT c.Name, c.City, co.CompanyName FROM Customer c LEFT JOIN Company co   ON c.CompanyID = co.CompanyID

Tip 6: Use wildcard characters wisely

Wildcard characters can be either used as a prefix or a suffix. Using leading wildcard (%) in combination with an ending wildcard will search all records for a match anywhere within the selected field.

Inefficient

Select name from employees where name like ‘%avi%’

This query will pull the expected results of Avishek, Avinash, Avik and so on . However, it will also pull unexpected results, such as David, Xavier, Davin.    

Efficient

Select name from employees where name like ‘avi%’.

This query will pull only the expected results of Avishek, Avinash, Avik and so on. 

Tip 7: Avoid using SQL function on the RHS of the operator

Often developers use functions or methods with their SQL queries. 

Inefficient

Select * from Customer where YEAR(AccountCreatedOn) == 2005 and  MONTH(AccountCreatedOn) = 6

Note that even though AccountCreatedOn has an index, the above query changes the WHERE clause in such a way that this index cannot be used anymore.

Efficient

Select * From Customer Where AccountCreatedOn between ‘6/1/2005’ and ‘6/30/2005’

Tip 8: Always fetch limited data and target accurate results

Lesser the data retrieved, the faster the query will run. Rather than applying too many filters on the client-side, filter the data as much as possible at the server. This limits the data being sent on the wire and you’ll be able to see the results much faster.

Tip 9: Drop index before loading bulk data

If you want to insert thousands of rows in an online system, use a temporary table to load data. Ensure that this temporary table does not have any index. Since moving data from one table to another is much faster than loading them from an external source; you can now drop indexes on your primary table, move data from temporary to the final table, and finally recreate the indexes.

Tip 10: Use WHERE instead of HAVING

HAVING clause filters the rows after all the rows are selected. It is just like a filter. Do not use the HAVING clause for any other purposes. 

In the SQL Order of Operations, HAVING statements are calculated after WHERE statements. Therefore, executing the WHERE query is faster.

Hope you enjoyed reading these tips for SQL query optimization. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment or write to us at hello@mantralabsglobal.com.

You can learn more about SQL queries and syntax at W3Schools tutorial.

About Author: Avishek Kumar Singh is a Senior Tech Lead at Mantra Labs —  a leading application development service provider in insurtech and e-commerce domains. He has years of experience in developing robust web and mobile applications for enterprises.

Suggest reading – LAMP/MEAN Stack: Business and Developer Perspective

Common FAQs

What is SQL optimization?

SQL optimization is a process of using SQL queries in the best possible way to get accurate and fast database results. The most common database queries are INSERT, SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE, and CALL. These are coupled with subqueries to filter the results. This is where people need to think of optimization to get accurate results with fewer resources and improve database performance.

What is SQL query tuning?

SQL optimization is also known as SQL query tuning. Basically, it is a process of smartly using SQL queries to increase the speed of fetching data and improve overall database performance.

What are the different query optimization techniques?

There are two most common query optimization techniques – cost-based optimization and rule (logic) based optimization. For large databases, a cost-based query optimization technique is useful as it table join methods to deliver the required output. Rule-based optimization combines two or more queries based on relational expressions. The following example illustrates rule-based query optimization.
rule-based query optimization

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How Smarter Sales Apps Are Reinventing the Frontlines of Insurance Distribution

The insurance industry thrives on relationships—but it can only scale through efficiency, precision, and timely distribution. While much of the digital transformation buzz has focused on customer-facing portals, the real transformation is happening in the field, where modern sales apps are quietly driving a smarter, faster, and more empowered agent network.

Let’s explore how mobile-first sales enablement platforms are reshaping insurance sales across prospecting, onboarding, servicing, renewals, and growth.

The Insurance Agent Needs More Than a CRM

Today’s insurance agent is not just a policy seller—they’re also a financial advisor, data gatherer, service representative, and the face of the brand. Yet many still rely on paper forms, disconnected tools, and manual processes.

That’s where intelligent sales apps come in—not just to digitize, but to optimize, personalize, and future-proof the entire agent journey.

Real-World Use Cases: What Smart Sales Apps Are Solving

Across the insurance value chain, sales agent apps have evolved into full-service platforms—streamlining operations, boosting conversions, and empowering agents in the field. These tools aren’t optional anymore, they’re critical to how modern insurers perform. Here’s how leading insurers are empowering their agents through technology:

1. Intelligent Prospecting & Lead Management

Sales apps now empower agents to:

  • Prioritize leads using filters like policy type, value, or geography
  • Schedule follow-ups with integrated agent calendars
  • Utilize locators to look for nearby branch offices or partner physicians
  • Register and service new leads directly from mobile devices

Agents spend significantly less time navigating through disjointed systems or chasing down information. With quick access to prioritized leads, appointment scheduling, and location tools—all in one app—they can focus more on meaningful customer interactions and closing sales, rather than administrative overhead.

2. Seamless Policy Servicing, Renewals & Claims 

Sales apps centralize post-sale activities such as:

  • Tracking policy status, premium due date, and claims progress
  • Sending renewal reminders, greetings, and policy alerts in real-time
  • Accessing digital sales journeys and pre-filled forms.
  • Policy comparison, calculating premiums, and submitting documents digitally
  • Registering and monitoring customer complaints through the app itself

Customers receive a consistent and seamless experience across touchpoints—whether online, in-person, or via mobile. With digital forms, real-time policy updates, and instant access to servicing tools, agents can handle post-sale tasks like renewals and claims faster, without paperwork delays—leading to improved satisfaction and higher retention.

3. Remote Sales using Assisted Tools

Using smart tools, agents can:

  • Securely co-browse documents with customers through proposals
  • Share product visualizations in real time
  • Complete eKYC and onboarding remotely.

Agents can conduct secure, interactive consultations from anywhere—sharing proposals, visual aids, and completing eKYC remotely. This not only expands their reach to customers in digital-first or geographically dispersed markets, but also builds greater trust through real-time engagement, clear communication, and a personalized advisory experience—all without needing a physical presence.

4. Real-Time Training, Performance & Compliance Monitoring

Modern insurance apps provide:

  • On-demand access to training material
  • Commission dashboards and incentive monitoring
  • Performance reporting with actionable insights

Field agents gain access to real-time performance insights, training modules, and incentive tracking—directly within the app. This empowers them to upskill on the go, stay motivated through transparent goal-setting, and make informed decisions that align with overall business KPIs. The result is a more agile, knowledgeable, and performance-driven sales force.

5. End-to-End Sales Execution—Even Offline

Advanced insurance apps support:

  • Full application submission, from prospect to payment
  • Offline functionality in low-connectivity zones
  • Real-time needs analysis, quote generation, and e-signatures
  • Multi-login access with secure OTP-based authentication

Even in low-connectivity or remote Tier 2 and 3 markets, agents can operate at full capacity—thanks to offline capabilities, secure authentication, and end-to-end sales execution tools. This ensures uninterrupted productivity, faster policy issuance, and adherence to compliance standards, regardless of location or network availability.

6. AI-Powered Personalization for Health-Linked Products

Some forward-thinking insurers are combining AI with health platforms to:

  • Import real-time health data from fitness trackers or health apps 
  • Offer hyper-personalized insurance suggestions based on lifestyle
  • Enable field agents to tailor recommendations with more context

By integrating real-time health data from fitness trackers and wellness apps, insurers can offer hyper-personalized, preventive insurance products tailored to individual lifestyles. This empowers agents to move beyond transactional selling—becoming trusted advisors who recommend coverage based on customers’ health habits, life stages, and future needs, ultimately deepening engagement and improving long-term retention.

The Mantra Labs Advantage: Turning Strategy into Scalable Execution

We help insurers go beyond surface-level digitization to build intelligent, mobile-first ecosystems that optimize agent efficiency and customer engagement—backed by real-world impact.

Seamless Sales Enablement for Travel Insurance

We partnered with a leading travel insurance provider to develop a high-performance agent workflow platform featuring:

  • Secure Logins: Instant credential-based access without sign-up friction
  • Real-Time Performance Dashboards: At-a-glance insights into daily/monthly targets, policy issuance, and collections
  • Frictionless Policy Issuance: Complete issuance post-payment and document verification
  • OCR Integration: Auto-filled customer details directly from passport scans, minimizing errors and speeding up onboarding

This mobile-first solution empowered agents to close policies faster with significantly reduced paperwork and data entry time—improving agent productivity by 2x and enabling sales at scale.

Engagement + Analytics Transformation for Health Insurance

For one of India’s leading health insurers, we helped implement a full-funnel engagement and analytics stack:

  • User Journey Intelligence: Replaced legacy systems to track granular app behavior—policy purchases, renewals, claims, discounts, and drop-offs. Enabled real-time behavioral segmentation and personalized push/email notifications.
  • Gamified Wellness with Fitness Tracking: Added gamified fitness engagement, with rewards based on step counts and interactive nutrition quizzes—driving repeat app visits and user loyalty.
  • Attribution Tracking: Trace the exact source of traffic—whether it’s a paid campaign, referral program, or organic source—adding a layer of precision to marketing ROI.
  • Analytics: Integrated analytics to identify user interest segments. This allowed for hyper-targeted email and in-app notifications that aligned perfectly with user intent, driving both relevance and response rates.

Whether you’re digitizing field sales, gamifying customer wellness, or fine-tuning your marketing engine, Mantra Labs brings the technology depth, insurance expertise, and user-first design to turn strategy into scalable execution.

If you’re ready to modernize your agent network – Get in touch with us to explore how we can build intelligent, mobile-first tools tailored to your distribution strategy. Just remember, the best sales apps aren’t just tools, they’re growth engines; and field sales success isn’t about more apps. It’s about the right workflows, in the right hands, at the right time.

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