Expected duration: 1 - 2 weeks I am facing a critical issue with my WordPress website hosted on a dedicated Kinsta server. Every time I send email campaigns via ConvertKit, the server experiences a significant spike in errors (500, 502, 503 & 525), leading to downtime and disrupted user experiences. This issue is persistent despite multiple attempts to address it with Kinsta support, and I need expert help to resolve it.
BACKGROUND -> Hosting: Dedicated Kinsta server (C2-standard-8) with 8 CPUs, 32GB RAM, and 20 PHP workers. -> Emails: Weekly campaigns to ~40,000 subscribers through ConvertKit.
Error Details: -> Errors predominantly occur immediately after an email campaign is sent. -> High traffic spikes from email tracking links (with query strings like ck_subscriber_id and utm_ parameters) overwhelm the server. -> Admin-ajax requests appear to be a contributing factor. -> Disabling caching for ck_subscriber_id cookies may be causing conflicts when combined with UTM parameters.
Additional details: -> Code snippet plugin previously caused errors (now resolved by deactivating it). -> Ongoing PHP worker and cron job timeouts have been reported in the logs. -> There is a large spike in cache MISS status when emails are sent. -> Attached is a chat thread with Kinsta providing fuller details. -> Here is an example of the URL string from our newsletter - https://www.conservation-careers.com/job/conservation-detection-nosework-seminar-2025/?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Unmissable%20opportunities%20in%20Conservation%20this%20week%20-%2015873629
OBJECTIVES Root Cause Analysis: -> Investigate the server logs, performance, caching and traffic behaviour during email campaigns. -> Identify specific conflicts or configurations causing the errors.
Optimization & Fixes: -> Resolve any issues identified in the Root Cause Analysis. This may include the following, -> Addressing conflicts between caching rules, UTM parameters, and ck_subscriber_id. -> Optimizing admin-ajax usage to reduce server load. -> Implementing efficient caching rules for email campaign links.
Testing & Monitoring: -> Monitor server performance during the next email campaign to confirm the issue is resolved. -> Provide a detailed report of changes implemented.
Recommendations: -> Suggest further performance improvements for WordPress on Kinsta hosting. -> Propose preventative measures for scalability during high-traffic periods.
Past Kinsta support actions: -> Temporarily disabled caching rules for ck_subscriber_id. -> Recommended enabling pre-caching for campaign URLs. -> Restarted PHP and adjusted NGINX settings to handle traffic better.
Deliverables: -> A detailed report of the issue and resolution steps. -> Implementation and validation of fixes to prevent recurrence. -> Recommendations for improving server performance and handling high traffic.
Requirements: -> Proven experience with WordPress performance optimization, particularly on Kinsta hosting. -> Familiarity with ConvertKit and handling query string conflicts in email tracking. -> Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, especially with PHP worker management, caching, and admin-ajax optimization. -> Clear communication and ability to document solutions.
If you can help resolve this issue and enhance my server’s performance, please provide a brief outline of your approach and relevant experience.
KTA223 Bluetooth Integration for FarmerGPS Category: Automation, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), C, Programming, C++, Electronics, Embedded Systems, Mobile App Development Budget: $30 - $250 USD
22-Dec-2025 22:57 GMT
Realistic Family Drawing Category: 2D Drawing, 3D Animation, 3D Modelling, 3D Rendering, Art Consulting, Art Installation, Character Illustration, Illustration Budget: $30 - $250 USD
Senior SEO Specialist Required Category: Analytics, Content Strategy, Conversion Rate Optimization, Internet Marketing, Link Building, SEO, SEO Auditing, SEOMoz, White Hat SEO Budget: €2 - €6 EUR
22-Dec-2025 22:54 GMT
Video Editing and Teaser Creation Category: Audio Editing, Social Media Marketing, Video Ads, Video Editing, Video Post Editing, Video Processing, Video Production, Video Services, Video Streaming, YouTube Budget: £20 - £250 GBP
22-Dec-2025 22:54 GMT
Verified NY Contractor Contact List Category: Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Collection, Data Entry, Data Processing, Excel, Web Search Budget: ₹12500 - ₹37500 INR
22-Dec-2025 22:53 GMT
University Website: Catalog & Directory Category: Angular, CMS, Graphic Design, HTML, PHP, React Native, Web Design, Web Development Budget: ₹12500 - ₹37500 INR
22-Dec-2025 22:53 GMT
High Value Address List Category: Cartography & Maps, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Collection, Data Entry, Data Management, Data Mining, Data Processing, Database Management, Excel Budget: $30 - $250 USD
22-Dec-2025 22:53 GMT
General Mobile App Development Needed -- 2 Category: Android, Android App Development, Flutter, IOS Development, IPhone, Mobile App Development, React Native, User Interface / IA Budget: $10 - $30 USD
22-Dec-2025 22:51 GMT
US App Install Campaign -- 2 Category: Advertising, Android, App Store Optimization, Dating, Digital Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Internet Marketing, SEO, Social Media Marketing Budget: $40 - $75 USD
22-Dec-2025 22:50 GMT
Minimalist Agency Website UI/UX Design Category: Figma, Graphic Design, PHP, UI / User Interface, User Interface / IA, UX / User Experience, Web Design, WordPress Budget: $30 - $250 USD
