Caching explained – browser, server, and CDN

Caching stores parts of your site so they don’t have to be built or fetched from scratch on every visit. Instead of reconstructing the page each time, the system serves a prepared version. That makes the site faster.

Types of caching

Browser caching

Stores images, CSS, and JavaScript in the visitor’s browser. On repeat visits, those assets load from local storage instead of the server. Faster repeat visits, less server load.

Server caching

Creates pre-generated versions of pages so the server does not run full database queries and PHP on every request.

Much faster load times, especially for WordPress and similar platforms.

CDN caching

Stores copies of your site across servers in different locations. Visitors get content from a nearby edge server instead of a single origin. Faster delivery globally, better security options, reduced origin load.

See What is a CDN. Many managed hosts include or integrate CDN.

How caching helps SEO and UX

Page speed

Faster load times from cached assets and pages.

Core Web Vitals

Caching supports LCP, INP, and CLS by reducing work on each request.

Conversion rates

Faster sites keep visitors on the page and reduce bounce.

User experience

Pages feel responsive when content is served from cache.

Faster sites tend to rank better.

Getting caching in place

• Managed hosting – Often includes server and object caching
• Plugins (WordPress) – Caching plugins can handle page and browser caching
• CDN – Often bundled or available as an add-on with hosting

For next steps, see Website speed and Image optimisation.