With Google’s new Page Experiment set to roll out in June, our search engine optimization Waterloo specialists are spending more time and research into user experience improvements. One of the most important aspects that website owners should be aware of is the loading time and visual stability.
Because of this new rollout by Google, many websites will drop in ranking due to poor site performance. However, for those who are ready for the changes, it could mean a rise in rankings. One of the best ways to ensure your site’s speed is up to Google’s standards is with a content delivery network (CDN).
What is a Content Delivery Network?
A content delivery network consists of various geographically distributed servers which can distribute website content. Websites that don’t use CDN’s rely on a single server to distribute content to all site visitors, no matter if they are located across the world or right down the street. On the other hand, a site that uses a CDN will get content delivered to them from the closest server.
CDN servers are often placed at internet exchange points. Also known as IXPs, these physical locations are where internet service providers connect and exchange traffic. So, when a user requests a page, the content is delivered via the server that is closest geographically. This means that when the user requests a page, it can load faster.
One of the main qualifiers for Google’s page experiment will be page loading times. This means it is time for SEO professionals and business owners to make loading speed a priority. By utilizing a CDN, not only will your pages will load faster, but you can increase bandwidth and lower overhead costs for servers.
As SEO and user experience are intertwined, Google has long considered using each to determine search rankings. In the past, they have taken business owners by surprise by changing their algorithms which forced SEO professionals to conduct large-scale research to analyze the changes. This time around, Google is giving fair warning to what the changes will be, so you have plenty of time to get your site ready.
Site Safety
Content Delivery Networks not only help to speed up the loading of website pages, but they can also include analytics and insight reports as part of the package. This important information may include audience analytics, security event analysis, and view diagnostics.
Using a CDN can also help to protect sites against denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Since CDNs distribute content to numerous servers, it prevents DDoS attacks from affecting the original server.
Another great security feature of a CDN is that if a server within the network is attacked suddenly or has more traffic than it can handle, the request will simply reroute to another server. By ensuring website security and improving user experience, SEO will be affected for the better.
Plan Ahead
If you are unsure whether your website will hold up against Google’s new algorithm, our search engine optimization Waterloo specialists can help get it in order before you get penalized. It is important to audit your site and mark down any problems that may interfere with Google’s changes and get them cleared up before it is too late.
After each new algorithm change, there are always sites that rise up the rankings and those that fall flat. Be sure your site is ready with the help of your experts. Contact us today before the new algorithm change undoes months of your SEO efforts overnight.