Understanding content distribution networks in SEO

The world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is constantly evolving.

One of the current trends concerns content distribution networks. But what are they and how do they work?

In this article, we'll look at the importance of content distribution networks in SEO in 10 points.

1. Content distribution networks: a definition

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a set of servers distributed across several geographical locations to accelerate the distribution of and access to digital resources such as videos, images, scripts, stylesheets and forms.

In short, the aim is to set up infrastructures to facilitate and optimise exchanges between Internet users and the content they consult on the Web.

2. The benefits of content distribution networks

Content distribution networks offer a number of advantages:

• Speed of loading : the CDN can greatly reduce latency times by offering locally stored versions of the resources requested, particularly for static files (images, videos, etc.).
• Managing traffic peaks : content distribution networks can efficiently absorb large increases in the number of users simultaneously requesting the same content, avoiding slowdowns and sometimes outages.
• Safety : by installing CDNs, it is possible to strengthen protection against certain attacks (DDoS in particular) and guarantee better availability, reducing the risk of breakdowns.

3. Content distribution networks and SEO

Although CDNs are not directly linked to natural referencing, their use can actually have a positive impact on a site's positioning. website in the search results. In fact, optimising page load times is a criterion taken into account by search engines such as Google, which are looking to offer the best user experience possible. A fast, high-performance site has every chance of winning over the search engine algorithms and being ranked higher in the results.

4. Choosing between a public or private content distribution network

There are two types of CDN: public networks and private networks. Public CDNs are widely used on the Web, as they often offer better value for money for website publishers. Private CDNs, on the other hand, can offer a higher level of service, with performance optimised to meet the specific needs of certain players (particularly for pay services).

5. Content distribution network solutions

A number of players offer CDNs, both specialist companies and hosting providers who include this technology in their offerings. Among the best known and most widely used are :

• Akamai
• Cloudflare
• Amazon CloudFront
• Fastly

6. set up a content distribution network on its website

Setting up a CDN can be done without too much difficulty, especially if you use one of the solutions mentioned above. All you need to do is change some configuration parameters so that your site can serve the resources concerned via the CDN.

Modifying the configuration of your CMS (Content Management System)

When using a content management system such as WordPress, Drupal or even JoomlaHowever, it is often possible to use extensions (plugins and modules) to simplify the integration of a CDN into your website, making it easier to redirect to your service provider's global points of presence.

7. Geographical distribution of CDN points of presence

Depending on the solution chosen, the content distribution network will be made up of different Points of Presence (PoPs) spread around the world. The more of these points there are, spread over a vast geographical area, the better the performance will be for absorbing global traffic.

8. Content formats supported by CDNs

Each CDN offers different types of content format that it supports. For the best possible rendering and user experience, you need to choose the right solution to meet the needs of your website and your business. audience in terms of the type and size of content to be distributed, such as images, videos, static or even dynamic files, etc.

9. Costs associated with the use of a content distribution network

Using a CDN represents an additional cost for the website publisher. This cost varies according to the solutions chosen and the level of service required (traffic involved, technical support, security options, etc.); some free offers can also be used, but they often have limitations. You should therefore compare the different offers carefully to choose the one that best meets your needs in terms of loading performance, security and cost.

10. Monitor the performance of your content distribution network

To make sure you are getting the most out of your investment in a CDN, it can be useful to regularly monitor network performance and changes in the loading speed of your site. Tools such as Google PageSpeed InsightsGTmetrix or Pingdom Speed Test can be used to analyse and monitor these factors. In the event of a problem or a drop in performance, you will need to act quickly to find the source of the problem and/or negotiate with your service provider to restore the desired performance.