Content delivery networks have revolutionized the way we host websites over the last couple of years. Instead of relying on a single server to host your site, you can use CDNs to distribute various website data and drastically increase your website’s loading speeds. This is accomplished by using server nodes which are spread around the world to deliver data using only the one closest to the user. But in order to figure out whether CDNs are an ideal solution for your website, first, you need to understand exactly how they work and what are the benefits they provide.
How do CDNs work?
CNDs are basically large server networks that are strategically dispersed around the world. Each server is called a node, and each node is tasked with pre-caching structural data and static content from your website. Every time someone tries to access your website, their request is received and processed by the CDN and a server closest to them is designated with sending them the data. As data is being transferred using the shortest possible route, it takes less time for the server to not only accept, but also process the request and start sending files. This results in lower possible latency, decreased loading times and an improved user-experience.
Why should you use a CDN?
Just because your website is mobile-friendly or responsive, does not mean that the content hosted on it is optimized for mobile users. This is important, as Google has been quite vocal with the topic of mobile-first approach to website building. Content delivery networks allow for website content to be loaded a lot faster, which is useful not only for the users but also for website owners looking for ways to improve the performance of their mobile websites. Additionally, CDNs use a process called session optimization to limit the number of open server connections to a single domain in order to keep your website stable even during when faced with large traffic spikes.
CDNs and SEO
Content delivery networks regularly remove and update duplicate and obsolete content. This means that the users will always be greeted with the most current relevant content. This is particularly useful when it comes to search engine optimization, as you’re not only providing the best possible content to your visitors, but you’re doing it in the fastest and most efficient way. Regularly updated content, fast loading times and good user-experience are at the core of SEO practices and CDNs indirectly provide all three of them.
Asset delivery control
One of the most useful features that come with using a content delivery network is the increase in control over network load and asset delivery. Most CDNs offer detailed information to their users regarding your website including real-time site load statistics, active regions, popular assets and in-depth reports. This information can be used to supplement other analytics information and even offer a better impression of how people use your website.
Considerations
Although content delivery networks are extremely useful when it comes to speeding up content delivery and decreasing latency, installing and configuring a CDN without the proper knowledge and technical expertise can be detrimental for any SEO related endeavors. You have to be absolutely positive regarding factors that both increase and decrease your website’s loading times in order to adequately implement a CDN with your site. For those who are unsure on how to set up their websites with a CDN, your best two options are to either work it out with the CDN provider or simply hire the best company or a freelance web developer Sydney has to offer.
Even if you do set it up properly, there’s still a chance that you’ll experience issues with duplicate content, especially if you’re hosting an entire website. This has a lot to do with your site address changing slightly after the installation which leaves you with two different URLs that lead to a single web page. Fortunately, this is an issue that can easily be avoided by using special rel=canonical which tell Google and other search engines which URL is the one that needs to be indexed and displayed in the search results.
Using a content delivery network for your website offers a number of benefits including better response times, lower latency and increased loading speeds. However, these benefits are apparent as long as they don’t affect your SEO efforts, so make sure you’re using a CDN provider that follows the best practices regarding the installation and website implementation. By doing so, you’re allowing the best possible experience for your users and ensuring that they will continue visiting your website in the future.
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