Practical configuration.
WHAT YOU NEED
A caching plugin. Several good ones exist, free and paid.
Install one. Not several — multiple caching plugins conflict.
THE BASIC SETTINGS
Enable page caching Enable browser caching Enable compression Enable minification cautiously
WHAT TO EXCLUDE FROM CACHING
Cart, checkout and account pages Any page showing per-visitor content
Most plugins exclude these automatically for common shop platforms. Verify.
MINIFICATION
Combining and compressing scripts and styles.
Helpful, and it breaks some sites.
Enable it, then test every page type. If something breaks, disable it.
AFTER ENABLING
Clear the cache Test the site logged out, in a private window Test the checkout or enquiry form Test on mobile
THE LOGGED-OUT POINT
Caching usually does not apply to logged-in users, so you may see no change while visitors do.
WHEN TO CLEAR THE CACHE
After changing content, if the change does not appear.
