Enable Preload Feature In WP Super Cache For Fast Loading

Previously, I discussed on how you can apply the best settings in WP Super cache WordPress plugin. In this post, I will discuss on how you can use the Preload feature in WP Super cache to decrease the loading time of your blog further and to make your WordPress blog load even faster.

What is Preload?

Preload is a caching technology in WP Super cache where static files are created for posts, pages, tags, categories and other taxonomies. When a user or even a bot visits your blog then these static HTML files are served to them. Thus, it helps in decreasing the loading time of your blog posts and pages.

Advantages of Preload feature:

1) Faster loading of blog: As I explained earlier, preload mode creates static HTML files and thus it helps in loading a blog faster. You can check the page speed of your blog after you enable the preload feature and you will see the difference in loading time.

2) Helps in SEO: Since your blog loads faster, it will help your blog to rank better in search engines.

Disadvantages of Preload feature:

1) Resource intensive: Preload is a resource intensive feature and it works in the background. If you are using a shared web hosting account then, after you enable it, you should check it for some days on how it is working in your site.

2) More cache files: Preload mode creates more static files. If your blog has thousands of posts then, you might want to preload fewer files only.

To enable Preload feature in WP Super cache, follow the below given steps:

1) Login to your WordPress dashboard.

2) Then, go to: Settings –> WP Super cache.

3) Click on “Preload” tab.

4) Under “Refresh preloaded cache files every” field enter a value which suits your blog. I have inserted the value 720. That means after every 12 hours, old preload cache files will be flushed and the new ones will be created. However, you can add any value here, say 2880 minutes (preload cache files will be refreshed every 2 days) depending on how your web host can handle this feature.

5) Under Preload drop down menu, select the number of posts you wish to preload. I have selected all posts, however, if your blog has thousands of posts, you might want to select a numeric value as per your needs. Posts will be counted from newest to oldest. For Example, if you select the value as 42 then only the first 42 posts will be preloaded.

6) Select option “Preload mode (garbage collection only on legacy cache files. Recommended.)”, and “Preload tags, categories and other taxonomies.”

7) Click on “Preload cache Now” and then, click on “Update Settings”.