Website speed is critical for both user experience and SEO. Caching is one of the most powerful tools for boosting site performance. But what is caching, how does it work, and why is it so important for your website?
What is caching?
Caching is the process of temporarily storing data so it can be accessed more quickly the next time it is needed.
For websites, this means storing files like images, CSS, scripts, or even complete pages in a place that delivers them instantly. This can be in the browser’s memory, on the server, or via a network.
The benefit is clear. Your browser or server does not need to request or generate the same data again and again. That saves both time and server resources.
How does caching work?
Several types of caching work together to speed up your site:
1. Browser caching
The visitor’s browser saves static files locally. When someone returns, files such as logos, stylesheets and scripts load directly from the user’s device instead of your server.
2. Server-side caching
The web server stores previously generated pages or data. Each visitor gets a fast response, without regenerating everything through your CMS or back-end.
3. CDN caching
A Content Delivery Network saves copies of your website on servers around the world. Content is always delivered from a nearby location, reducing load times.
Why is caching important?
Caching brings several key benefits:
- Faster load times: Users see your site content almost instantly
- Reduced server load: Your infrastructure can handle more visitors with less effort
- Better SEO: Google prefers fast websites, and caching helps your Core Web Vitals
- Lower bounce rate: Visitors stay longer when pages load quickly
In summary
Caching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost website speed and efficiency. It cuts wait times, lowers the pressure on your hosting, and improves your ranking in search engines.
Want to optimise your website even further? Read our article on what makes a good website load time .