Load time is one of the 200 points looked at for Google when it comes to how high a website is displayed. Along with search terms in the text, title, headers, regular new content, mobile version and SSL, it is one of the more important points out of these 200.
So definitely an important point to do something with and optimise your WordPress website!
How to improve WordPress load time?
Hosting
A good load time starts with picking the right hosting party. Many hosting parties put too many websites on one server, which causes longer load times.
There is also a difference between the type of disks on which the website runs. This can be HHD (spinning parts, less fast) or SSD (no spinning parts, fast). So in principle, a website running on SSD will already run a lot faster. Of course, we only offer SSD hosting and ensure a good distribution of websites across our servers.
Cache / caching
Now WordPress, like other CMS systems, has the disadvantage (compared to websites, which do not have a CMS have) that loading time is higher on average.
On each visit, all plugins are called to generate the page.
Using fewer plugins can help, but really spectacular improvements will come about thanks to caching (temporary memory).
By cache means repository and allows you to store things you often need when loading pages.
Types of cache / caching
Pagecache
With WordPress, each visit generates a new page from the various components. Over and over again.
In a nutshell, using cache turns WordPress pages into a static page. The first visitor after turning on the cache loads the page and it is then added to the cache.
Second and subsequent visitors will have a faster load time. This can save seconds, up to 90% of the original load time.
You can get this done with a (mostly free) plugin like W3 Total Cache or Fastest Cache.
Browser cache
The browser cache is in the visitor's browser. You therefore have limited influence here. However, a max-age can be sent with the Leverage Browser Cache so that the browser knows how long certain elements should be kept in the cache.
Database caching
This ensures that, for example, frequently requested queries on the website can be loaded from the cache. The outcome of such a query then does not have to be compiled every time.
HTTP reverse proxy caching
Here, as a site owner, you usually have no influence, and is arranged even before the web server. Example of caching HTTP reverse proxy is Varnish.
It receives queries (requests) from the clients and tries to answer them from the cache.
Still important to know
- Load time is important and pleasant for the visitor, but ultimately it's about the overall experience. A slider with pretty pictures, for example, makes for a longer load time, but leaving it out is a waste and usually benefits the experience.
- If you measure, measure with a website like Google's Pagespeed Insights or Pingdom or and select a location in the Netherlands or closest to the Netherlands. A website in America will show a higher load time than one in the Netherlands. And most of the time, your customers will be in Nedeland.
- Bear in mind that a front page of your WordPress website is often a lot heavier than subpages. However, Google will also factor in these pages.
- When cache is enabled, a page needs to load once before the cache works. Keep this in mind when measuring.
- For online shops and other complex systems, make sure certain pages are excluded from cache. Of course, the content of a payment page should not be loaded from cache.
- Test well how the website works after turning it on. Sometimes changes are not displayed properly and then the cache often needs to be emptied or set differently. Especially if multiple cache methods are used, it is important to test carefully whether the website still works as intended.
- Tell fellow administrators and other people modifying content that a cache plugin is running on the website.
All in all, caching is something that is very valuable for any WordPress website. Should you have any questions about cache or want cache on your website, email or call us on 0172-897789