How can i increse my build speed for ships even buildings ....

Where should i colonize a new planet?
Should it be near my first planet or should it be somewhere far or in another galaxy

I'm new, i quess we all are ... buy maybe someone can tell me what is the points and how is ranking working ?

Edit: oh and i have another question is the site running a little bid slow? or it's just only for me?

Thanks, btw cool game