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Running Screaming Frog in the Cloud using a PakiWebHost Server
Running SEO audits at scale can be resource-intensive, especially when dealing with large websites. Local machines often struggle with processing power, RAM, or bandwidth limitations. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) solves these challenges by offering dedicated resources and 24/7 uptime. In this guide, we’ll walk you through running Screaming Frog SEO Spider on a PakiWebHost VPS, ensuring efficient, large-scale crawls without compromising your local machine’s performance.
Why Use a VPS for Screaming Frog?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider is a powerful tool for technical SEO audits, but it demands significant resources for large crawls. Here’s why a VPS is ideal:
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Dedicated Resources: Avoid slowdowns caused by sharing CPU/RAM with other applications.
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24/7 Operation: Run crawls overnight or schedule tasks without keeping your PC on.
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Scalability: Upgrade server specs instantly to handle massive websites.
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Global Access: Manage crawls remotely from any device.
Comparison of VPS Providers for Screaming Frog
| Provider | RAM | Storage | OS Options | Scalability | Support | Pricing (Starting) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PakiWebHost | 4GB–16GB | 100–500GB SSD | Windows Server 2022 | Instant | 24/7 Live Chat | $25/month |
| DigitalOcean | 1GB–8GB | 25–160GB SSD | Linux Only | Manual | Ticket/Email | $12/month |
| AWS | 1GB–16GB | 20–400GB SSD | Linux/Windows | Complex | Paid Support | Pay-as-you-go |
| HostGator | 2GB–8GB | 120–240GB SSD | Linux/Windows | Limited | 24/7 Phone | $29.95/month |
Choosing the Right VPS Provider
Not all VPS providers are optimized for tools like Screaming Frog. Key features to prioritize:
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Windows OS Support: Screaming Frog requires a Windows environment for its graphical interface.
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Adequate RAM/Storage: 4GB+ RAM and SSD storage for smooth crawling.
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User-Friendly Dashboard: Simplified server management for non-developers.
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Affordable Pricing: Transparent plans without hidden fees.
PakiWebHost ticks all these boxes, offering Windows-ready VPS plans tailored for SEO professionals.
Why PakiWebHost Stands Out:
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Pre-configured Windows OS for hassle-free setup.
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Generous SSD storage for large crawl data.
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Instant scalability and 24/7 expert support.
Step-by-Step Guide to Running Screaming Frog on a PakiWebHost VPS
Step 1: Select a PakiWebHost VPS Plan
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Sign up for a PakiWebHost account.
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Choose a Windows Server 2022 VPS plan (4GB+ RAM recommended).
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Complete the purchase and wait for deployment (typically 5–10 minutes).
Step 2: Connect to Your VPS via Remote Desktop
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Download the Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) client for your OS.
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Use the IP address, username, and password provided by PakiWebHost to log in.
Step 3: Install Required Software
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Screaming Frog SEO Spider: Download and install the latest version.
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Google Chrome: Required for rendering JavaScript-heavy pages.
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Java Runtime Environment (JRE): Ensures compatibility with advanced features.
Step 4: Configure Screaming Frog Settings
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Adjust crawl settings (e.g., crawl depth, robots.txt rules).
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Allocate sufficient memory under Configuration > System > Memory Usage.
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Set up proxies (if needed) to avoid IP blocks.
Step 5: Run and Export Your Crawl
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Start the crawl and monitor progress via the PakiWebHost dashboard.
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Export results to CSV/Excel or integrate with Google Analytics/Sheets.
Tips for Optimizing Crawls on a VPS
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Schedule Crawls: Use Windows Task Scheduler to run crawls during off-peak hours.
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Leverage Cloud Storage: Back up crawl data to Google Drive or Dropbox.
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Monitor Resources: Use the PakiWebHost dashboard to track CPU/RAM usage and upgrade if needed.
Why Choose PakiWebHost for Your SEO Needs?
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Windows-Optimized Infrastructure: No need for complex Linux configurations.
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24/7 Expert Support: Get instant help via live chat for technical issues.
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Cost-Effective Plans: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
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Scalable Resources: Upgrade RAM or storage with a single click.
Using Major Cloud Providers
Running Screaming Frog with major Cloud providers like Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud provides easy scalability, allowing users to adjust resources for any crawl size. This ensures optimal performance without hardware limitations. These Cloud services also enable global accessibility, making it easy to manage SEO projects from anywhere with an internet connection. Built-in redundancy and failover mechanisms ensure high availability and reliability, minimising downtime during peak times.However, using Cloud solutions from these major providers comes with ongoing costs, such as subscription fees and usage-based pricing, which can fluctuate and potentially increase expenses over time. This unpredictability in cost can be a significant consideration for long-term projects or larger crawls. .
On a VPS
On the other hand, running Screaming Frog on a VPS provides dedicated resources, including CPU, RAM, and storage, ensuring consistent performance and faster crawl times. This setup offers improved stability and uptime, ideal for long or scheduled crawls, with fixed pricing plans that offer budget control, avoiding surprises from usage-based billing. For a monthly cost from $50 to $100 (or more, depending on your VPS size), you can have a Screaming Frog VPS running around the clock and with no unexpected charges.
VPS solutions also offer high levels of control and customization, allowing you to install and customize any software you need. The predictable costs and control over the environment are beneficial for users with specific requirements and technical expertise. However, this comes with the responsibility of managing and maintaining the server, which may require additional time and effort. For agencies, companies, or individuals with in-house technical expertise, running on a VPS is an easy choice. They can handle the necessary tasks themselves, with support from PakiWebHost available when needed.
| Aspect | Running Screaming Frog with PakiWebHost | Running Screaming Frog on a VPS | Running Screaming Frog with Major Cloud Providers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backups | Included in the VPS price at no additional cost. | Manual setup is required and usually with an additional charge, or can require third-party backup software. | May require additional setup or incur extra costs for backup services. |
| Control | Full control over the VPS, including an easy-to-use client management console. | Control of the Virtual Machine. | Some limitations and configurations are managed by the provider. |
| Customisation | Customisable to your precise needs. | High level of customisation with the ability to install and configure any software. | Customisation is limited by the services and configurations offered by the provider. |
| Security | Users are responsible for VPS security. We provide off host firewall controls that allow you to lockdown your machine to ensure no unwanted access. | Users are responsible for most security measures. | Advanced security features and compliance certifications available from the provider. |
| Compliance | Users must ensure compliance with specific regulatory standards. | Users must ensure compliance with specific regulatory standards. | Many Cloud providers offer compliance with various international standards, which can simplify adherence. |
| Deployment Speed |
Can be up and running your first crawl in as little as 15 minutes. This time will be halved with our soon to be launched Screaming Frog template. |
Slower, as it requires manual configuration and setup. | Faster, with automated tools and templates available for quick provisioning and scaling. |
| Uptime and Availability | Reliable and redundant across multiple nodes. | High availability minimises downtime, ideal for long or scheduled crawls. | Built-in redundancy and failover mechanisms ensure continuous operation. |
| Pricing | Fixed monthly bill at a highly attractive price point per month. | Fixed monthly pricing means no surprise bills. | Usage-based pricing can lead to unpredictable monthly costs. |
Conclusion
Running Screaming Frog SEO Spider on a PakiWebHost VPS eliminates local hardware limitations, enabling faster, larger crawls with minimal effort. With Windows-ready servers, intuitive management, and round-the-clock support, PakiWebHost is the ideal choice for SEO professionals and agencies.
Ready to supercharge your SEO audits? Explore PakiWebHost’s VPS plans today and take your technical SEO to the next level!
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