We recently trialled a new plugin to speed up the Virtual Assistant Lead Network website (to improve SEO and attract more VA Seekers), and we were so thrilled with the results that we just had to share!
If you’re working on a WordPress site, let us get you up to speed! 🙈
What in the world is caching?
When your WordPress site brings up a web page for a visitor, it must do many things.
It has to connect to your hosting server, access the SQL database (where your content is stored), run the PHP scripts (WordPress templates are made of PHP), access the javascripts and CSS that make your website run, and look the way you want.
Then it has to turn all of those into an HTML page for the visitor to look at.
Phew!
So what does caching do?
Well, having caching set up means that, after your website has done all those things ONCE for your site visitors, it then serves up the same result for that visitor, every time, without having to start from scratch!
Boom – faster web pages!
Sounds good! How do I make this happen?
First, we have to understand the different types of caching:
Browser Cache
When you visit a website, your browser stores certain elements like images, scripts, and stylesheets on your device.
This means that when you return to the site or navigate to another page, these elements can be retrieved from your device’s cache instead of being downloaded again.
It’s like having a local copy of your favourite books for quick access whenever you want to read them.
Server Cache
Server caching happens at the hosting server level.
Essentially, it involves temporarily storing copies of web pages that are dynamically generated based on variables (such as past actions taken on your site) for each user.
Instead of generating a page from scratch each time it’s requested, the server can serve up the pre-cached version.
It’s a bit like having a menu at a restaurant where the chef already knows your favourite dish and has it ready to go as soon as you walk in the door.
Plugin Cache
Plugins like LiteSpeed Cache work by communicating with the web server to make your website faster.
They optimise the caching process, reducing the time it takes for your site to load. Essentially, these plugins streamline the performance of your site by handling caching tasks automatically.
LiteSpeed Cache is a free WordPress plugin that communicates with the LiteSpeed SWeb Server in your web hosting to make your website MUCH faster.
So, what do I need to do?
Setting up LiteSpeed Cache on your WordPress website is a straightforward process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide (but if this is too overwhelming, it is free to list a project role for a techy VA to assist you):
- Install the Plugin:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to the “Plugins” section and click on “Add New.”
- In the search bar, type “LiteSpeed Cache” and press enter.
- Once the LiteSpeed Cache plugin appears, click on “Install Now” and then activate the plugin.
- Access Plugin Settings:
- After activating the plugin, you’ll see a new option called “LiteSpeed Cache” in your WordPress dashboard menu. Click on it to access the plugin settings.
- General Settings:
- In the General tab, you’ll find basic settings for the plugin. Review and configure them according to your preferences. This includes options for enabling or disabling caching features, setting up cache expiration times, and more.
- Optimisation Settings:
- Navigate to the Optimisation tab to fine-tune various optimization options. This includes settings for minification, combining CSS/JS files, image optimization, and more. Enable the options that suit your website’s needs.
- Cache Settings:
- Head to the Cache tab to configure caching options. Here, you can enable options like Public Cache, Private Cache, and Object Cache. Adjust these settings based on your site’s requirements.
- CDN Setup (optional):
- If you’re using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) with your website, you can set it up in the CDN tab. LiteSpeed Cache Plugin integrates seamlessly with popular CDNs, allowing you to enhance your site’s performance further.
- Advanced Settings:
- The Advanced tab offers additional settings for expert users. Here, you can configure more advanced features such as ESI (Edge Side Includes), Browser Cache TTL, and more.
- Save Changes:
- Once you’ve configured all the settings according to your preferences, don’t forget to click the “Save Changes” button to apply your settings.
- Test Your Website:
- After configuring LiteSpeed Cache, it’s essential to test your website to ensure that everything is working correctly. Check the loading speed and performance of your site to see the improvements brought about by caching.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up LiteSpeed Cache Plugin on your WordPress website, helping to improve its speed and performance for your visitors.