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.
Flat Indonesian Food Logo Design Category: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Branding, Graphic Design, Illustration, Logo Design, Vector Design Budget: $10 - $30 USD
13-Jan-2026 05:04 GMT
Mobile Tycoon Game Design Category: Game Art, Game Design, Game Testing, Game UI, IPhone, Mobile App Development, Unity, Unity 3D Budget: $250 - $750 USD
13-Jan-2026 05:03 GMT
Sales Copy & Logo Package -- 2 Category: Branding, Content Writing, Copywriting, Graphic Design, Illustration, Logo Design, Photoshop, Social Media Marketing Budget: $250 - $750 USD
13-Jan-2026 05:03 GMT
AI-Driven Meta Ads Conversion Boost Category: Advertising, AI Design, AI Development, AI Graphic Design, AI Image Editing, AI Generated Art, Digital Marketing, Facebook Marketing, Google Adwords, Internet Marketing Budget: $30 - $250 CAD
13-Jan-2026 05:02 GMT
Architectural Walkthrough Video Editing Category: Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Color Grading, Final Cut Pro, Video Editing, Video Post Editing, Video Production, Video Services Budget: ₹12500 - ₹37500 INR
13-Jan-2026 05:01 GMT
Professional YouTube Description Writer Category: Article Writing, Content Creation, Ghostwriting, SEO Writing, Video Editing, Video Production Budget: ₹600 - ₹1500 INR
Honda Acty Tie Rod CAD Model Category: 3D CAD, 3D Modelling, 3D Printing, 3D Rendering, AutoCAD, CAD / CAM, Reverse Engineering, Solidworks Budget: $30 - $250 USD
13-Jan-2026 04:58 GMT
Edit 4-Hour Video with Subtitles Category: Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audio Editing, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Subtitles & Captions, Video Editing, Video Post Editing, Video Production, Video Services Budget: ₹1500 - ₹12500 INR
13-Jan-2026 04:56 GMT
WhatsApp Chat Reply Support - 12/01/2026 23:42 EST Category: Chat Operation, Chatbot Integration, Customer Experience, Customer Service, Customer Support, Indonesian Translator, Social Media Management, Time Management Budget: $15 - $25 USD
