Recommended to run Local Storage Cache

Running Local Storage Cache is generally recommended when using plugins like Elementor with WordPress on Azure. Elementor, as a page builder, produces dynamic and resource-heavy pages that can benefit significantly from caching to improve load times, reduce server load, and provide a smoother user experience. Here’s why Local Storage Cache is beneficial with Elementor and some tips for setting it up:

Why Local Storage Cache Works Well with Elementor

1. Reduces Load from Heavy Assets:
   • Elementor adds custom styles, scripts, and widgets to your pages, which increases the size and complexity of each page. Caching these assets locally allows for quicker load times, as the content is served directly from local storage instead of being dynamically generated every time.
2. Minimizes Repeated Rendering:
   • Elementor’s content is dynamically rendered, meaning WordPress and PHP have to generate HTML on each request. Caching stores this HTML in advance so that future requests can serve it directly without backend processing, significantly reducing the load on your servers.
3. Improves User Experience for Visitors:
   • Cached Elementor pages, particularly on high-traffic sites, mean quicker load times for users. This is essential for keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates, especially since Elementor pages are often visual and content-rich.

Best Practices for Running Local Storage Cache with Elementor

1. Use a Caching Plugin Compatible with Elementor:
   • Plugins like W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache, or LiteSpeed Cache (if your Azure setup supports it) can be configured to cache Elementor’s output and assets. Elementor is compatible with most popular caching plugins, and these plugins will typically cache the static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript generated by Elementor.
2. Clear Cache on Content Updates:
   • Whenever you update or publish new content with Elementor, clear the cache to ensure changes are reflected immediately. Many caching plugins offer an “automatic cache purge” option on post updates, which can help ensure that your cached content stays current.
3. Optimize Cache Settings for Elementor Assets:
   • CSS and JavaScript: Elementor generates custom CSS and JavaScript for each page. Configure your caching plugin to minify and combine these files if possible to reduce load times.
   • Image and Media Caching: Use caching for Elementor’s media elements, like images and videos, to reduce load times. Leveraging Azure Blob Storage for these assets, in combination with Local Storage Cache, is ideal for optimal performance.
4. Use Browser Caching for Repeated Visitors:
   • For assets that don’t change often (like images, CSS, and JavaScript), enable browser caching. This way, visitors only need to load these assets once, and subsequent visits will pull them from the user’s own cache, speeding up the experience.
5. Consider a CDN if Using Elementor with Media-Heavy Pages:
   • Elementor pages with numerous media assets can benefit from an Azure CDN. A CDN will cache and deliver static content from servers closer to the user’s location, reducing latency and load times for visitors across different regions.

Additional Considerations

• Cache Duration: Set an appropriate cache duration. Elementor-driven sites that are frequently updated may need shorter cache durations to prevent outdated content. However, if the content remains mostly static, a longer cache duration can improve performance further.
• Use Staging Environments for Testing:
  • When caching is enabled, changes in Elementor might not reflect immediately. Test your cache settings in a staging environment to ensure that content updates display as expected without excessive cache purges.

Summary

Local Storage Cache is beneficial for Elementor-powered sites on Azure because it addresses the increased load Elementor adds. Properly configured caching will enhance speed, reduce load, and improve user experience, particularly on pages with visual and interactive content. When combined with good caching practices (like browser caching, cache clearing on updates, and possibly a CDN), you’ll get a well-optimized setup that maximizes Elementor’s potential without sacrificing performance.