Enhancing the performance and speed of your WordPress website is crucial for providing an excellent user experience. In a previous blog post, we discussed the basics of Website Performance Optimization (WPO) in WordPress. Today, let’s delve deeper and guide you step-by-step on how to configure WP Super Cache to boost your website’s speed.
Installing WP Super Cache in WordPress
If you’re familiar with working on WordPress, installing a plugin is likely second nature to you. For those just starting, let’s walk through the process:
- Access your WordPress admin panel and click on “Plugins” in the left column. Then, select “Add New Plugin.”
- In the search bar, type “WP Super Cache.” Click “Install,” and once the process is complete (usually a few seconds), click “Activate.”
Configuring WP Super Cache
With WP Super Cache installed and activated, it’s time to configure it. The plugin provides two options: Easy and Advanced. While many users opt for the Easy configuration, we’ll explore all the advanced options to maximize the potential of WP Super Cache.
1. Easy Configuration of WP Super Cache: Activation
In the “Settings” section, click on “WP Super Cache.” A new window will appear. Select “Caching On (Recommended)” and save changes by clicking “Update Status.”
2. Advanced Configuration of WP Super Cache
2.1. Miscellaneous Settings
Explore the various options in this section:
- Do not cache pages for known users: Recommended if your website doesn’t require user subscriptions. Ensures that logged-in users see real-time updates.
- Do not cache pages with GET parameters: Keep this option unchecked unless specific pages with variables shouldn’t be cached.
- Compress pages so they’re served more quickly: Although recommended, be cautious on high-traffic websites as enabling gzip compression may impact performance.
- Cache HTTP headers with page content: Not necessary for most setups, as it employs a slightly slower caching method.
- Cache rebuild: Activating this ensures new visitors receive the latest cached version.
- 304 Not Modified browser caching: Recommended but may require caution due to potential conflicts with certain hosting providers.
- Make known users anonymous to serve supercached files: Keep this unchecked for better user experience after leaving comments.
2.2. Advanced Settings
Explore options like:
- Enable dynamic caching: Modify code to cache specific parts of your website. Recommended for advanced users.
- Mobile device support: Requires additional plugins like Jetpack or WPTouch for compatibility. Leave unchecked if unnecessary.
- Clear all cache files when a post or page is published or updated: Recommended to display the latest version after changes.
- Extra homepage checks: Recommended for comprehensive checks after homepage changes.
- Refresh preloaded cache only when comments are made: Useful if you want new cache files generated for comments.
- List the newest cached pages on this page: Generally not necessary for improved performance.
- Lockdown: Activate only during expected traffic spikes.
2.3. Mod Rewrite Rules
Update Mod_Rewrite rules to automatically save changes to the .htaccess file. Click “Update Mod_Rewrite Rules,” and a confirmation window will appear.
2.4. Expiry Time and Garbage Collection
In this section, set the cache duration, typically around 3600 seconds (1 hour) for a good user experience. Schedule cache file cleanup and receive email notifications upon completion.
2.5. Accepted File Names and Rejected URIs
Specify file types and URIs you don’t want to be cached.
2.6. Rejected User Agents
Define which user agents or bots should not receive cached versions. Useful for diverse content presentation.
2.7. Lockdown
Enable lockdown mode during anticipated traffic spikes to prevent cache refresh after comments.
CDN with WP Super Cache
Unlike WP Rocket, WP Super Cache’s integrated CDN feature, OSSDL CDN Off Linker, lacks recent WordPress compatibility tests. Consider using a dedicated CDN service for improved content delivery.
Cache Content
This tab displays cached content, its last generation time, and pending deletions. Useful for monitoring and immediate cache updates.
Preloading
Preload allows serving first-time visitors a pre-cached version, benefiting SEO by delivering information faster. Adjust preload settings based on your site’s frequency of updates.
Plugins and Debug
These options cater to advanced users and specific plugin compatibility. Default values are recommended unless dealing with unique scenarios.
Final Recommendations
Before installing and configuring WP Super Cache or any plugin, always perform a full website backup. This precautionary step prevents unexpected issues, plugin conflicts, or the need to revert to your website’s original state.
Remember, achieving an optimized WordPress website involves more than just caching. Consider factors like choosing an SSD-powered hosting provider, image optimization, and resource minification to comprehensively enhance your WordPress site’s performance.
In conclusion, by following this comprehensive guide on configuring WP Super Cache, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a faster, more responsive WordPress website.
Feel free to explore further optimization techniques and stay tuned for more insightful tips on WordPress website management!
