Server-Side Rendering: Definition, Process, and Its Benefits

Server-side rendering is a website development method in which pages or content are pre-rendered on the server-side before being sent to the user's browser.

This technique generates fully prepared web pages in HTML format, allowing the browser to simply load and display the pages to the user. 

As a result, the website achieves faster page loading and delivers a more responsive user experience. 

In the context of SEO, search engines like Google can index website pages that have been pre-rendered on the server side even before displaying them on the user's browser.

This is possible because the pages have gone through a rendering process that facilitates indexing.

By employing this technique, content can be indexed more effectively, thereby improving the visibility and ranking of website pages on search engine result pages.

Now, how do you implement it comprehensively?

In order to find out the answer, let’s first understand the definition, process, and its benefits in the following guide.

What is Server-Side Rendering?

Server-side rendering is a content delivery technique that involves the process of rendering HTML on the server-side before sending it to the user's browser.

In its implementation, the server plays a role in generating a complete website with all the necessary data, including the HTML structure, CSS, and dynamic content.

Once a user visits the website, the server fetches this data and proceeds to render the HTML structure with the acquired information comprehensively.

Consequently, various content types like articles, products, or user details become accessible and visible.

Server-Side Rendering Processes

Once you understand what is server-side rendering, it is also important to know the whole process of it. 

In general, the implementation involves several crucial steps. Here are the comprehensive explanations:

1. HTTP Request: The process commences when the browser sends an HTTP to the server to retrieve the website. 
2. Data Retrieval: Upon receiving the request, the server begins fetching the required data to generate the page. This involves accessing data from databases, external APIs, or other necessary resources.
3. Pre-rendering: After gathering the data, the server compiles JavaScript components into a static HTML format.
4. Page Loading and Rendering: Once the server completes the rendering of the website page into HTML, the result is sent back to the browser via an HTTP response. The browser then receives and loads the HTML for display. 
5. Hydration: After the website page is delivered to the browser, JavaScript scripts within the page can be executed to "hydrate" the page. Hydration refers to the process where the browser takes control of the server-rendered page and adds interactivity while connecting essential data.. 

Benefits of Using Server-Side Rendering

In general, the primary advantage lies in its capability to instantly deliver content to users, bypassing the need to wait for rendering on the user's browser. 

Additionally, this rendering technique offers several other benefits, which include:

1. Simplifying Indexing

In client-side rendering, static HTML can be indexed by crawler bots. However, this process sometimes encounters issues when indexing content generated by JavaScript 

Consequently, using SEO server-side rendering can be considered risky from some standpoints. Therefore, opting for this technique is a superior choice if you aim for higher rankings on search engine result pages (SERPs).

Through this technique, search engines can efficiently index the website, leading to a quicker appearance in search results, heightened visibility, and accordingly increased organic traffic.

2. Accelerating Loading

With this rendering technique, website content can be displayed completely from the server side. This impacts faster website loading times as users don't have to wait for the rendering process on the client side.

Website loading speed plays a significant role in user experience. We should never deny the fact that users mostly tend to leave websites that have slow loading times. 

Hence, this content delivery technique ensures a responsive and satisfying user experience.

3. Speeding up LCP (Largest Contentful Paint)

LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) is a Core Web Vitals metric that provides an overview of how quickly the largest content element on a webpage can be displayed.

This metric is measured in seconds, and a lower value indicates a higher LCP score. Additionally, LCP is included in the search ranking algorithm. Websites that use server-side rendering can improve their LCP score, resulting in a better user experience.

4. Reducing CLS

Another commonly used Core Web Vitals metric is Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), which measures how much the page layout changes during loading.

The server-side technique of rendering ensures elements on the website are designed and laid out properly on the server-side as to reduce the likelihood of unwanted layout shifts.

Therefore, implementing this technique will help maintain page layout stability and improve CLS scores.

5. Reducing Social Media Indexing Issues

Similar to search engine bots, social media crawlers also face challenges with indexing content based on JavaScript.

This rendering can help mitigate these issues by producing content that can be optimally displayed on social media platforms. By doing so, you can increase visibility and engagement rate on social media.

Implementing SEO Server-Side Rendering

In terms of SEO, implementing this rendering technique may provide a significant impact. Those positive impacts are listed in the followings:

1. Enhancing Content Display

By employing the server-side technique on your website, you can showcase content in its complete and best form. 

Users will experience content that is readily available for viewing, eliminating the need to wait for client-side rendering. This results in reduced wait times and an improved user experience.

2. Keyword Optimization

Utilizing the server-side technique of rendering allows you to achieve effective keyword optimization of server-generated content. 

You can integrate relevant keywords into the generated HTML structure, such as the title, meta description, and other tags. 

This optimization enables search engines to comprehend the content better, leading to enhanced website rankings in search results.

3. Providing an Optimal User Experience

Website visitors are more likely to be satisfied with a fast-loading site. 

This content delivery technique facilitates quicker loading times and reduced response durations. 

This feature contributes to an optimal user experience, ultimately increasing the conversion rate and bolstering the overall SEO ranking.

4. Supporting Responsive User Interface

Currently, many users access the internet through mobile devices. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your website has a good user interface, with responsive design across various devices.

To achieve this, server-side rendering is the best option. This method will deliver content that adapts to different screen sizes and devices.

That concludes the guide on server-side rendering, covering its definition, process, benefits, and implementation using SEO.

In general, this content delivery technique is the most suitable one if you want to improve website speed, which can directly impact SEO and online visibility.

However, search engine rankings are not solely determined by website speed. Other factors, such as domain authority, search intent, and more, also play a significant role.

If your website appears at the top of SERPs, a well-planned SEO strategy is, therefore, essential. Crafting such a strategy is a crucial step for increasing visibility, directing high-quality traffic, and building customer trust.

During the implementation process, continuous monitoring and improvements are necessary in order to achieve such optimal results.

If you encounter difficulties in implementing these strategies, you can use SEO services by cmlabs to help apply expertly crafted optimization strategies.