1.5 Performance & Core Web VitalsLowInferred

No browser caching headers

Without caching headers, returning visitors re-download static assets that have not changed. Sensible cache lifetimes make repeat visits feel instant.

What it is

Static assets re-fetched each visit.

Why it matters

Slower repeat visits.

How to fix it

Set cache-control headers.

How to find it on your site

  1. Check static asset responses for cache-control headers in DevTools or curl -I.
  2. Identify assets served with no-cache or no caching at all.
  3. Set long cache lifetimes on fingerprinted static assets and shorter ones on HTML.
  4. Verify the headers and that updated assets still bust the cache.

Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors

Caching mostly helps repeat visits rather than first load, so the ranking effect is indirect, but it improves real-world experience.

Impact

Low. Inferred.

Evidence

Caching improves repeat-visit performance. web.dev, Core Web Vitals (Google)