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Will Changing Servers Impact SEO?
Hello everyone,
I’ve recently acquired an online blog with an impressive 10,000 posts and a Domain Authority (DA) of 58. This blog is quite renowned within its niche. However, the current server setup seems to be excessive and costs approximately £300 per month. It appears the previous owners scaled the server to accommodate a large number of ads, which we’ve now removed to focus solely on serving static content. Currently, the server specifications are 48GB RAM and a 12-core processor.
The blog attracts around 100,000 visitors monthly, which is down from 200,000 due to a drop in traffic from news and discovery platforms—but we’re actively working to regain those numbers.
Given this situation, I’m contemplating switching to a different server provider. At present, we use Cloudways, and I’m curious if changing servers might influence our SEO performance. The server is based in the US, aligning with our primarily US-focused content.
Should I proceed with relocating the server to another provider, or is it wiser to keep the current setup?
I appreciate any insights you can offer! 🙂
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2 responses to “Does changing servers impact SEO?”
When considering moving a server for your established online blog, it’s crucial to understand how this change might affect your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Below, I provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential SEO implications and considerations for changing servers:
Impact of Server Change on SEO
Solution: Schedule the server move during low-traffic periods and ensure a seamless transition. Using tools such as a temporary 503 status or scheduled maintenance notifications can inform search engines of short-term downtime without harmful effects.
Page Load Speed
Solution: Compare server options and select one that aligns with your optimized performance needs. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help assess current load speed and any improvements post-migration.
Server Location
Solution: If moving servers, keep it within the US to cater to your audience and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to enhance load speeds globally.
IP Address Change
Solution: Verify the reputation of the new IP address using tools like MX Toolbox to ensure it’s not blacklisted or associated with spam.
Technical SEO Elements
Solution: Conduct a thorough audit of Technical SEO components post-migration to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Traffic and Analytics
It’s great to see your proactive approach to optimizing your blog and addressing the server costs! Changing servers can indeed impact your SEO, but it largely depends on several factors.
1. **Site Speed and Performance**: One of the most significant elements in SEO today is site speed. If your new server can deliver faster load times, that could positively affect your rankings, especially with Google’s emphasis on user experience. Before making a switch, consider running speed tests on your current setup and compare them with potential new providers.
2. **Uptime and Reliability**: Consistent uptime is critical for maintaining your SEO rankings. If you switch to a server known for its reliability, you might prevent future downtimes that can negatively impact your traffic and ranking.
3. **Location of the Server**: Since your audience is primarily in the US, it’s vital to choose a server that offers low latency from that region. If your new provider has data centers closer to your audience, it can potentially improve loading times, thereby enhancing user experience and seo performance.
4. **SEO-Friendly Configuration**: Some servers offer optimizations specifically for WordPress and other CMS platforms. Look for hosting that provides features such as caching, HTTP/2 support, and enhanced security configurations—all of which can contribute to better seo outcomes.
5. **Content Delivery Network (CDN)**: If you’re looking to speed up content delivery across wider geographic regions and maintain good loading speeds, consider integrating a CDN with your new server. It