Boost: Cache Preloading - Version One, Cornerstone Pages

[LiamSarsfield]

Implementing a Cache Preloading system for Cornerstone Pages in Jetpack Boost will enhance the performance optimization capabilities of our Page Cache feature. This implementation will automatically rebuild the cache for Cornerstone Pages whenever they are updated or their cache is invalidated (such as from Post edits). This ensures critical pages are always served at optimal speed to all visitors.

Currently, our Page Cache system builds cache files on-demand when a user visits a page. While effective, this approach means the first visitor after a cache invalidation experiences slower page loads. For cornerstone pages—which represent a site's most important content and conversion paths—this inconsistent performance can negatively impact user experience, SEO, and business outcomes

By adding preload functionality specifically tied to cornerstone pages, we'll eliminate this performance gap and provide several key benefits:

• Consistent performance for all visitors to critical pages
• Immediate cache rebuilding after content updates
• Improved SEO performance for key landing pages
• Better conversion rates through consistently fast page loads
• The implementation should leverage our existing Cornerstone Pages feature, and integrate with the current cache invalidation mechanisms to automatically trigger preloading when needed, ensuring seamless functionality with minimal configuration required from user.

ref: pc9hqz-3nV-p2

[github-actions]

OpenAI suggested the following labels for this issue:

• [Feature Group] Content Management: The issue relates to managing crucial content through the implementation of cache preloading for cornerstone pages.
• [Boost Feature] Page Cache: The issue discusses enhancing the Page Cache feature for cornerstone pages to ensure optimal performance.
• [Boost Feature] Optimizations: The suggested cache preloading falls under optimizing performance for critical pages, which is a focus of Jetpack Boost.