Do you know this too? You've made a change to your website, but it's just not showing up? This is often because caching is involved! In this article, I'll show you how to clear your WordPress cache. Of course, including an introduction to which plugins are available, why this is so important and how you can even do it without a plugin in the best case scenario.
What is the WordPress cache and why should it be emptied regularly?
The cache is like a buffer that helps your website load faster by saving static content such as images, text and layouts. This ensures that returning visitors see a saved version of your page and don't have to reload everything every time. This saves time and improves the loading speed.
When should you clear the WordPress cache?
- After changes to content such as new blog articles or updates
- If you have customized the design of your website
- After updates of plugins or WordPress itself
- Whenever your changes are not immediately visible
Why the word "cache"?
The word "cache" comes from the French and means "hiding place" or "storage". This term has become established in the digital space because it perfectly describes what happens: Data is cached so that it can be accessed more quickly later. A simple method to increase the performance of your website!
The best WordPress cache plugins
Here I present the best plugins that you can use to clear the cache of your WordPress website - including pros and cons, so that you can make the best decision for your website. But first, let's answer what function a cache plugin actually offers compared to the manual method.
- Clear cache at the touch of a button: Clear the cache at the touch of a button so that visitors always see the latest version of your site.
- Automatic cache clearing: Settings to automatically clear the cache when new posts, updates or design changes are made.
- File minimization: Reduces the file size of HTML, CSS and JavaScript for faster loading times.
- Gzip compression: Compresses files so that they can be loaded more quickly.
- Browser caching: Saves data in the visitor's browser so that recurring visits are even faster.
1st WP Rocket plugin
WP Rocket is a premium plugin that goes far beyond simple cache clearing. It offers comprehensive tools for optimizing website performance, such as lazy loading, file minimization and much more.
Advantages
- Comprehensive optimization: Saves you additional performance plug-ins.
- Easy to use: Once set up, you can easily clear the cache from the admin bar.
- Flexibility: Automated processes: Caches are automatically updated after changes.Dropservicing model offers great flexibility as you can work from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
Disadvantages
- Paid: You have to pay for comprehensive functions.
- Complexity: Many functions that not everyone needs.
2. cache enabler plugin
Cache Enabler is a lightweight plugin that focuses exclusively on caching. Perfect for you if you just want to clear the cache, no frills. The setup is very simple. Once the plugin is installed, you don't have to do anything else. You can empty the cache manually at any time at the touch of a button via the admin bar.
Advantages
- Free and simple: no unnecessary functions, quick to set up.
- Automatic cache emptying: Automatic emptying possible when changes are made.
Disadvantages
- No additional optimizations: Offers only basic caching.
- Fewer features: No advanced functions such as lazy loading.
3. w3 total cache plugin
With over a million installations, W3 Total Cache is one of the best-known caching plugins. It offers many setting options, but is only available in English.
Advantages
- Versatile: Many options for advanced users.
- Compatible with CDN: Supports the integration of e.g. Cloudflare
Disadvantages
- Complex set-up: Can be overwhelming for beginners.
- English interface: No German translation available.
Alternative: Empty WordPress cache without plugin
You can also clear the cache of your WordPress website manually without using a plugin. To do this, you need FTP access to your server:
- Connect via FTP: Use a program like FileZilla to log in to your server.
- Navigate to "wp-content": Search for the "cache" folder and open it.
- Delete the content: Select the files and delete them - the cache is now empty!
Conclusion: Regular cache clearing for better performance
A clean cache and your website is as good as new. Regardless of whether you carried out the update with a plugin such as WP Rocket, Cache Enabler or without any additional tools. You now know how to clear the WordPress cache to keep your website up to date and faster. So let's take the next step and make sure that your visitors are always up to date with you!
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