Search Atlas supports multiple execution methods to deploy SEO changes across your site. While each option has valid use cases, not all execution paths are equal when it comes to performance, reliability, and AI-readiness.
This article compares Server-Side Rendering (SSR) via the WordPress plugin with JavaScript-based execution (GTM) and edge routing via Cloudflare, so you can choose the right approach for your environment.
🧭 Execution Methods at a Glance
🧭 Execution Methods at a Glance
Method | Execution Layer | Best Use Case |
Server-Side Rendering (SSR) | WordPress database & server | Maximum performance, reliability, AI visibility |
Google Tag Manager (GTM) | Client-side JavaScript | Lightweight tests or non-CMS environments |
Cloudflare Routing | Edge / DNS layer | Advanced routing or CDN-level control |
🧠 Server-Side Rendering (WordPress Plugin)
🧠 Server-Side Rendering (WordPress Plugin)
SSR stores titles, metas, schema, and structural changes directly in the WordPress database and renders them as part of the initial HTML response.
Key advantages
Changes are visible immediately to Google crawlers
Content is reliably consumed by LLMs and AI search engines
Near-zero impact on page speed
Fully cache-aware
Persistent and editable inside WordPress
This is the gold standard for SEO execution inside Search Atlas.
⚙️ Google Tag Manager (Client-Side Execution)
⚙️ Google Tag Manager (Client-Side Execution)
GTM injects changes via JavaScript after the page loads in the browser.
Trade-offs
Changes may not be indexed consistently
JavaScript execution can be delayed or skipped by crawlers
Less reliable for AI and LLM ingestion
Adds client-side overhead
Best suited for temporary tests or environments where server access is not available.
🌐 Cloudflare DNS / Edge Routing
🌐 Cloudflare DNS / Edge Routing
Cloudflare-based execution happens at the network edge.
Strengths
Powerful routing and traffic control
Useful for advanced infrastructure setups
Limitations
More complex to manage
Not native to WordPress editing workflows
Less transparent for content teams
If you are running WordPress and care about performance, indexing reliability, and AI visibility, Server-Side Rendering via the Search Atlas WordPress plugin is the preferred execution method.