Audience: HostBible Web Hosting customers running WordPress
TL;DR: We run LiteSpeed on our platform. Use the LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) plugin only. Do not install any other caching/optimisation plugins—they conflict and can slow your site down. Image, CSS/JS and database optimisations are available inside LSCache. Any required performance-related DNS/CDN records are created and managed automatically for HostBible Web Hosting customers who use our nameservers.
Why LiteSpeed (and why not “another cache plugin”)?
Server‑level caching: Your site benefits from LiteSpeed’s built‑in, server‑level page cache, which is faster and more efficient than PHP‑only plugins.
LSCache is the control panel: The LiteSpeed Cache plugin is the only plugin you need to control caching, image optimisation, WebP, lazy load, CSS/JS tuning, and database cleanups.
Avoid conflicts: Additional caching/optimisation plugins (examples: WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, SG Optimizer, Autoptimize, Hummingbird, WP‑Optimize’s cache feature) duplicate functionality, fight with LSCache, and often reduce performance. Please don’t install them.
Quick wins (recommended setup)
Install & activate LSCache
In Plugins → Add New, search “LiteSpeed Cache” and activate.
In LiteSpeed Cache → Cache, toggle Enable Cache: ON.
Use a lightweight theme and keep plugins lean
Prefer modern, lightweight themes.
Deactivate and delete plugins you don’t use. Fewer plugins = fewer queries and faster pages.
Update WordPress, themes, and PHP
Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins current.
In your HostBible control panel, select the latest stable PHP version for better performance and security.
Images: optimise and serve WebP (in LSCache)
LiteSpeed Cache → Image Optimization: click Request Optimization, then Pull.
Enable WebP and Lazy Load for images; optionally lazy‑load iframes.
Replace huge hero images with properly sized assets.
CSS/JS tuning (less is more)
In LiteSpeed Cache → Page Optimization:
Minify CSS/JS: ON (start with minify only).
Combine CSS/JS: OFF initially (enable only if it reduces file count without breaking layout).
Load CSS Asynchronously and JS Defer can be tested; if anything breaks, turn them off or exclude specific files.
Object cache (if available on your plan)
LiteSpeed Cache → Cache → Object: enable object cache (Redis or Memcached) only if your hosting plan provides it.
Don’t enable it unless it’s available—otherwise it adds overhead.
Database housekeeping (in LSCache)
LiteSpeed Cache → Database: clean post revisions, auto‑drafts, trashed posts, transients, and optimise tables.
Heartbeat control (optional)
Reduce WordPress Heartbeat frequency (via LSCache or a dedicated setting) to lower admin‑area CPU usage on busy sites.
Purge carefully
LiteSpeed Cache → Toolbox → Purge: use Purge All after major design changes.
Avoid constant purging; caching needs time to warm.
What not to install or enable
No additional cache or optimisation plugins (WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, SG Optimizer, Autoptimize, Hummingbird, WP‑Optimize (cache), etc.).
Don’t enable duplicate features in security/CDN plugins (e.g., extra minify, extra page cache). If you must use those plugins, turn off their caching/optimisation features and let LSCache do the work.
DNS/CDN records — no manual setup needed
If your domain uses HostBible nameservers, any performance‑related DNS/CDN records required by our acceleration stack (for example, CNAMEs for CDN endpoints or verification TXT entries that may be needed from time to time) are created and managed automatically by us.
If you manage DNS elsewhere, you may need to add records manually when enabling certain features—contact HostBible Support for the exact values.
Note: For the vast majority of HostBible Web Hosting customers, no action is needed. We handle these records behind the scenes so you can focus on your site.
Suggested LSCache baseline (safe starting point)
Cache: ON
Cache Logged-in Users: OFF (unless you run membership sites and know you need it)
Cache REST API: ON
Browser Cache: ON
TTL (defaults are fine):
Front page: 1–4 hours
Posts/Pages: 1–4 hours
404: 10–30 minutes
Purge:
Purge All on major updates only
Auto‑purge on publish/update: ON
Page Optimisation:
CSS/JS Minify: ON
CSS/JS Combine: OFF (test later)
HTML Minify: ON
Lazy Load images/iframes: ON
Remove Query Strings: OFF (usually unnecessary)
Media:
Image Optimisation: ON (queue + pull)
WebP: ON
Object Cache: OFF unless Redis/Memcached is available and enabled
Troubleshooting & tips
Something broke after enabling optimisation?
Purge All in LSCache → Toolbox. 2) Turn OFF CSS/JS Combine, Async CSS, and JS Defer. 3) Exclude the specific file or handle causing issues.
White screens or random logouts? Ensure your PHP version and extensions are compatible with your theme/plugins.
Measure, don’t guess: Test with PageSpeed Insights or WebPageTest. Make one change at a time and re‑test.
FAQs
Can I use Cloudflare or another CDN?
Yes, but avoid double‑caching/minifying. If you enable a CDN, keep caching/optimisation centralised in LSCache and disable overlapping features in the CDN plugin/dash where possible.
Do I need to configure .htaccess rules?
No. LiteSpeed and LSCache control headers and rules for you.
Do I need multiple cache plugins for best results?
No. One is best—LSCache only. Multiple cache/optimisation plugins will compete and slow the site.
Do I need to create DNS records for performance features?
Not if you use HostBible nameservers—we create and maintain them automatically. If you host DNS elsewhere, we’ll provide any values you might need.
Need help?
If you’d like us to review your current settings or you use third‑party DNS and need record values, contact HostBible Support and we’ll be happy to help.