Why did the website ranking drop after the server change?
A drop in website ranking after a server change can be attributed to several factors. Here are some common reasons:
Server Downtime and Accessibility Issues
If the server change resulted in extended downtime or accessibility issues, search engines may interpret this as an unreliable site, leading to a drop in rankings.
Page Load Speed
If the new server is slower than the previous one, it can negatively impact page load times. Search engines consider page speed as a ranking factor, so slower loading times may result in lower rankings.
Incorrect Server Configuration
If the server is not configured correctly, it may lead to issues with crawling and indexing by search engines. Ensure that all technical configurations are in place and that the new server is properly set up for SEO.
Changes in IP Address
If the server change involves a change in the website's IP address, it may take some time for search engines to reindex the site at the new location, causing temporary fluctuations in rankings.
Unintended Content Changes
During the server migration, unintended changes to the website's content or structure may occur. This can confuse search engines and affect the relevance and quality of the content in the eyes of search algorithms.
Issues with Redirects
If URL structures change during the server migration, proper redirects should be implemented to guide search engines and users to the new URLs. Incorrect or missing redirects can lead to ranking drops.
SSL Certificate Changes
If the move involves a switch in SSL certificates, it could impact search rankings. Search engines give preference to secure websites, so ensure that the new SSL certificate is properly configured.
Robots.txt and XML Sitemap Issues
Check if the robots.txt file and XML sitemap have been correctly configured on the new server. Any errors in these files can affect search engine crawling and indexing.