CDN and Caching: Boosting Performance for High-Traffic WordPress Sites

There is no running from the fact that your website’s performance is the most significant determinant of making or breaking the user experience. A slow-loading website will inevitably lead to higher bounce rates, lower engagement, and, in turn, decreased conversions. When considering a high-traffic WordPress website, the need for speed becomes even more critical, and with CDNs and caching, you can ensure a fast-loading website.

Here’s how.

What are CDNs?

CND, or a Content Delivery Network, is a globally distributed network of servers whose sole purpose is to accelerate the delivery of website content. This is very different from using a single server. Instead of relying on one server, CDNs help distribute copies of the website’s static assets across multiple locations worldwide. Most common examples of website static assets include media files, JS and CSS files, and more. By accessing content from various servers, the website can load the content from a specific server much closer to the user to reduce latency significantly. Thus, catering to a global audience is relatively easy.

How do CDNs work?

To understand how a CDN works, you must first understand how a website loads. Whenever a user tries to access your website, the hosting server gets the access request. It then verifies, processes, and delivers the requested content. But what if the server is located very far from the user? The data will take much longer to travel, leading to slow loading times. With CDNs, you effectively eliminate any geographical barrier. CDNs cache static content at multiple PoPs (Points of Presence) across different geographical locations. When a user makes a request, the CDN then directs the request to the nearest PoP. This helps reduce the distance the data has to cover to reach the user and speed up the loading time.

Why use CDN for a high-traffic WordPress site?

Quick load times: Since data loads from the nearest PoP, CDNs reduce page load times to improve the user experience.

1. Reduced load on server: Since the website’s content is stored on multiple global servers, and the CDN handles most of the static content delivery, the origin server experiences much less stress.
2. Better handling traffic spikes: It is common for high-traffic websites to experience sudden surges. If you rely on a single server, the high traffic will choke it. A CDN will distribute the load evenly and more efficiently to prevent downtime.
3. Better security: Popular CDNs come with industry-leading security options. Major ones include DDoS protections and WAFs (Web Application Firewalls)
4. Enhanced SEO: Did you know that your site load time is also one of the key factors affecting your search engine rankings? This means the faster your site loads, the higher the chance it has to rank higher on search results.

Static vs dynamic content: What can be cached?

CDNs are going to prove particularly effective for static content, which includes:

1. Images
2. JavaScript files
3. CSS stylesheets
4. Fonts
5. Videos and other media

On the other hand, dynamic content such as custom user dashboards and chat messages are constantly changing and, therefore, more challenging to cache effectively. However, advanced CDNs can optimize dynamic content delivery using intelligent routing and edge computing techniques.

Integrating a CDN with WordPress

Setting up a CDN for your WordPress site is relatively easy. All you need to do is to follow the below routine:

1. Choose the correct CDN provider and sign up to configure the settings.
2. Update the DNS setting. This usually involves pointing a CNAME record to the CDN server.
3. Install the CND plugin to your WordPress site.
4. Test performance using tools like Google Page Speed Insights, GTmetrix, and more.

If you want to skip all the hassles of implementation, why not try out a managed WordPress hosting service? This takes care of everything, including all the technologies, to supercharge your website’s loading time without you having to worry about the technicalities.

What is caching?

While CDNs are there to optimize content delivery regardless of user locale, caching helps to speed up website performance by storing frequently requested content locally. Think of it like this. Instead of generating every webpage from scratch whenever a user requests, caching allows the site to serve a pre-generated version that significantly reduces load times.

Types of caching

1. Page caching: Stores the full HTML pages and serves them to the users without querying the database.
2. Object caching: This technique retains the results from the database queries to reduce the number of queries needed for future requests.
3. Opcode caching: Saves compiled PHP code to minimize server processing time.
4. Browser caching: Stores website assets on a user’s local device to reduce the need for repeated downloads.

The challenge of keeping cached data updated

On the surface, caching is an excellent choice to improve performance; it is essential to note that it can also cause outdated content to be displayed. A common problem is when specific changes are made to the website, like updating a new blog or adding new products for sale. In such cases, the changes made are not immediately reflected in the cached version.

The solution?

1. Automatic cache invalidation: Some cache plugins will automatically remove the outdated cache files after a set amount of time.
2. Manual cache clearing: Admins can also manually remove older cache files whenever they make significant changes to the website.
3. Intelligent caching mechanisms: You can also try other advanced cache solutions that dynamically update the cached content when needed.

Combine CDNs and caching for maximum performance

While both these technologies help your WordPress website win the battle for speed, combined, you can expect some astounding results. Here is what you should do.

1. Use CDNs to deliver static content quickly to users worldwide.
2. Implement caching to reduce server workload and speed up content generation.
3. Monitor the performance metrics of your website using online tools.
4. Regularly update cache settings to ensure fresh content is displayed.

The need for speed

For high-traffic websites, speed optimization is no longer an option. If you want to stay relevant for your users, your site must load fast. After all, the average attention span is shrinking at a rapid pace. CNDs and caching are two great tools that help you with it. A better user experience is a result of this bonus.

If you’re running a WordPress site with significant traffic, investing in a CDN and a solid caching strategy should be at the top of your priority list.