Server-Side Rendering vs. Client-Side: SEO Implications

Rendering Strategies

There are three rendering strategies you need to be aware of, each strategy is suited for different needs:

Pre-Rendering

This rendering strategy involves generating HTML pages ahead of time. These are static files served to users, providing a fast and reliable delivery method.

The pros of pre-rendering include:

• Secure
• Easy to maintain
• Good for blogs and sites with infrequent updates

The cons of pre-rendering include:

• Updated content requires the complete website to be re-rendered
• Lacks any dynamic capabilities

Server-Side Rendering

Server-side rendering is when rendering happens on the server when a user requests a web page. It is great when boosting personalisation.

The pros of server-side rendering include:

• Improves interactivity
• Supports user-specific content 
• Real time updates

The cons of server-side rendering include:

• Complex
• Higher server load
• Security vulnerabilities

Client-Side Rendering

Client side rendering is when the page renders on the clients browser, balancing speed and functionality, which is essential to impove your SEO efforts.

The pros of client-side rendering includes:

• Supports offline functionality with Progressive Web Apps
• Ideal for interactive tools and apps

The cons of client-side rendering includes:

• Relies on the users device and browsers, which can slow down loading
• Can make indexing difficult for search engines

A Hybrid Approach 

In order to reduce any SEO implications, you can use a hybrid approach, addressing the limitations of client-side rendering, while improving interactivity with server-side rendering.  Using a hybrid approach can balance speed and functionality, such as rendering initial content server-side, but loading interactivity on the client-side. 

Rendering and SEO Implications

The rendering strategy you choose will affect your SEO and user experience, which is why it's important to ensure you make the right decision, so let's look at the SEO implications of rendering:

• User-experience – pre-rendering offers last loading times for static content, server-side rendering improves personalisation, and client-side rendering creates app-like experiences that could slow down your load time 
• SEO – search engines need your content to be accessible. Client-side rendering could result in important pages not being indexed if your JavaScript fails
• Costs – pre-rendering doesn't need much infrastructure, while server-side rendering requires robust servers, and client-side places the rendering burden on the users device.

Conclusion

Choosing the right rendering strategy is essential to a successful SEO strategy. Each rendering option offers it's own advantages and disadvantages, which is why many websites use a hybrid approach. Do you need help speeding up your website or improvising engagement? Let us help you select the right rendering strategy today. Contact Genie Crawl now for a free evaluation and quote.