When it comes to running a fast, reliable WordPress site, caching can feel like both a superhero and a villain. On one hand, it speeds up your site, reduces server load, and keeps visitors happy. On the other hand, if not configured properly, it can be a real pain, with the likes of outdated content showing up, slow performance during peak traffic, and development changes getting stuck in limbo.
With that said, WordPress caching is an absolute must for website owners juggling multiple domains, developers troubleshooting performance issues, or businesses scaling rapidly. But it can be tricky. Caching operates on several layers (browser, server, and CDN, depending on your configuration), and they all need to play nicely to avoid conflict.
Managing caching across multiple layers can be overwhelming, so you need managed hosting providers. They take the complicated riff-raff out of cache management, making sure everything runs smoothly. However, not all managed hosts offer the same level of performance. At BigScoots, we leverage bleeding-edge technologies and do not cache things at the server level. Instead, we cache directly at the CDN level for the fastest response time. This means content updates are super-fast, performance is rock-solid, and you spend less time battling cache issues.
We’ll break down the different types of WordPress caching, how they work together, and why BigScoots’ unique caching architecture is designed to deliver peak performance without the usual techy headaches.
Why WordPress caching is crucial for site speed
Whenever someone visits your WordPress site, the server has to roll up its sleeves to process PHP code, run database queries, and piece together the final page. Without caching, this happens for every single visitor, which can slow things down, especially if your site gets a lot of traffic.
Caching is your site’s fast-forward button. Instead of rebuilding the same page repeatedly, caching stores a static version and serves it up instantly. This saves your server from doing unnecessary work and keeps load times snappy. But why does this matter? Well:
- Less server strain: Caching reduces the number of database queries and PHP processes, which frees up server resources and keeps things running smoothly.
- Faster load times: With cached pages ready to go, your site’s Time to First Byte (TTFB) gets a serious boost, making pages load almost instantly.
- Handles traffic spikes: Whether you’re going viral or running a big sale, caching helps your site stay fast and responsive even when traffic surges.
When set up correctly, caching makes your site more reliable, scalable, and ready to handle whatever comes its way!
Understanding WordPress caching layers and types
Caching isn’t one-size-fits-all – there are multiple ways to speed up a WordPress site, and different hosting providers configure caching differently. You don’t need to worry about handling all of these yourself. In fact, BigScoots takes a very different approach from most hosts, focusing on edge-first caching through direct Cloudflare integration. But before we get into that, let’s break down the various types of caching and how they work:
- Browser caching: Happens on your visitor’s device. Their browser stores files like images, CSS, and JavaScript, so the next time they visit, it loads faster without re-downloading everything.
- Page caching: Saves fully rendered HTML versions of your pages. Instead of generating pages from scratch every time, your server delivers these pre-built pages, reducing processing time.
- Object caching: Stores database query results so your site doesn’t have to run the same queries repeatedly. Tools like Redis or Memcached facilitate this, improving dynamic content load times.
- Server-level caching: Optimizes how your server processes data using techniques like OPcache and database query caching. This helps your server handle requests more efficiently.
- Edge caching (CDN caching): Distributes cached content across servers worldwide (thanks to CDNs like Cloudflare). This means visitors get content from the server closest to them, reducing load times globally. This type of caching plays a significant role in how BigScoots optimizes WordPress performance – but more on that in a bit.
Why managed hosting solves WordPress caching headaches
Managing caching can quickly become overwhelming. Each caching layer (browser, page, object, server, and CDN) needs to work together, but misconfigurations can lead to performance bottlenecks, outdated content issues, and unexpected slowdowns. When your site struggles with cache conflicts, troubleshooting can feel like an endless cycle of trial and error.
Instead of juggling multiple caching configurations yourself, a managed host takes care of caching for you – meaning you get optimal performance, faster load times, and automatic cache purging when updates go live.
But, not all managed WordPress hosts handle caching the same way. BigScoots takes an edge-first approach by using direct Cloudflare integration to deliver cached content from the closest possible location to your visitors. Unlike traditional caching setups that rely heavily on disk-based or server-level caching, BigScoots prioritizes CDN-level caching to maximize speed and reliability.
BigScoots operates in the same data center as Cloudflare’s primary servers at 350 E. Cermak in Chicago (one of the largest data centers in the world!). Our direct fiber-optic connection to Cloudflare reduces latency and guarantees optimal performance. This setup allows BigScoots to process and serve cached content faster than traditional hosting solutions. This allows us to handle caching for you with:
- Automated caching configuration: No need to tinker with settings. BigScoots ensures optimal caching across browser, server, and CDN layers.
- Smart cache invalidation: Updates to your site go live instantly with automated cache purging. No more outdated content issues.
- Performance monitoring: Caching isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. BigScoots continuously fine-tunes caching strategies to keep your site running smoothly.
- Handles traffic surges: Whether you’re running a big sale or a viral campaign, BigScoots scales seamlessly to keep your site fast and stable.
All BigScoots hosting plans are built on Cloudflare:
- Managed Hosting for WordPressPlans come with base-level Cloudflare integration.
- Enterprise Hosting for WordPress Plans, Mediavine Hosting Plans, and customers on the Performance and Security Packages get Cloudflare Enterprise, which unlocks advanced caching, security, and optimization features.
With over 320+ Cloudflare CDN edges globally, BigScoots’ caching infrastructure is built for both performance and security.
“Our caching architecture is designed to intelligently balance performance and security. By leveraging Cloudflare’s extensive network, every visitor receives a fast, consistent experience – no matter where they are in the world.”
Saumya Majumder, Lead Software Development Engineer
All of this makes our Managed Hosting services an excellent fit for agencies who need to manage multiple sites simultaneously – not only can they guarantee high speed and performance for their clients, but they can also manage cache settings through a single dashboard.
No more outdated pages, slow load times, or broken configurations. With BigScoots, caching just works.
Should you use a caching plugin alongside managed caching solutions?
While managed WordPress hosting handles the techy stuff with infrastructural caching, caching plugins can still play an important role in optimizing site performance. Think of them as the finishing touches that fine-tune your website’s speed.
Caching plugins pull their weight by working alongside managed hosting like the ultimate performance sidekick:
- Layered optimization: Even with robust server-side caching, plugins help optimize assets like CSS, JavaScript, and images. They offer additional tools such as minification, GZIP compression, and lazy loading for media files, which can further enhance load times.
- Custom cache rules: Caching plugins allow site owners to create custom rules for specific pages, posts, or sections of their website. This is useful if you want to exclude certain content from being cached or need different caching behaviors for logged-in users.
- Database optimization: Some caching plugins also offer database cleanup features, helping to remove unnecessary data like post revisions, spam comments, and transient options. This keeps your database lean and efficient.
- CDN integration: While BigScoots already integrates directly with Cloudflare, caching plugins can provide an additional layer of CDN management, making it easier to configure settings specific to your site’s needs.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of using caching plugins if your host already provides infrastructural caching. Adding a caching plugin on top of your host’s solutions can lead to conflicts and redundancy and potentially negatively impact your website’s speed and stability. Additionally, caching plugins, if configured incorrectly, may interfere with dynamic content delivery, causing outdated information to be displayed. This can result in the need for frequent cache clearing and additional maintenance tasks, which may be unnecessary if your managed host already provides efficient caching solutions.
How the BigScoots Cache plugin does things differently
BigScoots goes beyond standard caching plugins with our proprietary BigScoots Cache Plugin. In fact, it’s completely different from anything else out there. It’s a pure page caching plugin, which means it only handles page caching at the Edge (CDN level). Designed to integrate with our hosting infrastructure, it offers advanced caching features for peak performance (but its full functionality is only available on Cloudflare Enterprise plans!). With this, you get:
- Edge-level caching: Unlike traditional plugins that focus on disk or server-level caching, our plugin caches web pages at the CDN edge, ensuring faster content delivery from the nearest data center to your visitors.
- Real-time cache purging: The plugin automatically clears the cache when updates are made, so changes are reflected instantly across the global network.
- Device and country-based caching: Configure caching rules based on device type or visitor location for personalized content delivery while keeping load times fast.
- Advanced customization options for developers: You have many options to fine-tune the BigScoots cache plugin according to your needs, using actions, filters, and helper functions.
❓Quickfire question: Who can use the BigScoots Cache Plugin?
Quick-fire questions
- Enterprise Hosting for WordPress & Performance Services users: ✅ Full access! The plugin is natively integrated and includes all Cloudflare Enterprise-powered features.
- Managed Hosting for WordPress users: ⚠️ Limited access. You can install the plugin manually via the client portal, but since these plans don’t include Cloudflare Enterprise by default, some advanced features won’t be available.
The BigScoots Cache Plugin is built to leverage Cloudflare’s global CDN network to provide your cached pages at a lightning-fast speed. It works with both Cloudflare Free and Cloudflare Enterprise, but if you’re on a Managed Hosting for WordPress plan and need full plugin functionality, consider upgrading to a plan with Cloudflare Enterprise for the best performance.
Transform your WordPress site speed with managed hosting
Caching is the driving force behind a fast, reliable WordPress site. When done right, it boosts load times, reduces server strain, and keeps your site responsive even during traffic spikes. However, managing caching across multiple layers (browser, server, and CDN) can be pretty overwhelming – and who needs more of that in their life?
Every BigScoots plan is built on Cloudflare integration, meaning you get top-tier caching performance out of the box. For users on Cloudflare Enterprise (available with Enterprise WordPress Hosting, Mediavine Hosting, and Performance & Security Packages), even more advanced caching features are unlocked, including the powerful BigScoots Cache Plugin.
BigScoots is designed for high-traffic sites, growing enterprises, and agencies managing multiple websites. With real-time cache purging, a direct fiber connection to Cloudflare, and infrastructure fine-tuned for performance, your sites stay fast, secure, and scalable. Plus, with our expert support team always on standby (90-second average response time, often even faster), you’ll never face caching issues alone.
So, don’t waste time wrestling with caching configurations. Let BigScoots handle it so you can focus on growing your business and delivering an unbeatable experience for your visitors. 🚀
