Optimizing a JavaScript Site for Search Engines - Noscript Tags
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3. The <noscript> Tags
In addition to multiple navigation menus and breadcrumb trails, you could also make use of the <noscript> tags. We almost have to treat search engines with regard to JavaScript on our web pages as we would for those people with older browsers or for visitors with their JavaScript disabled. Add your navigation links between the <noscript> tags like the example shown below. These will not be visible to those with JavaScript-enabled browsers, while at the same time being accessible to search engines.
<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" />
<title>My Website</title>
<script src="date.js" language="javascript" type="text/javascript"></script>
<noscript>Your browser does not support JavaScript!</noscript>
</head>
<body>
<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Duis ligula lorem, consequat eget, tristique nec, auctor quis, purus. Vivamus ut sem. </p>
</body>
</html>
Example-3, The use of the <noscript> tags
If your page did not contain any breadcrumb and/or bottom navigations, without the help of the <noscript> tag, your web pages would be completely inaccessible to the search engine spiders, and any other browser and user-agent with disabled JavaScript. The <noscript> tag, if used, is placed between the <body> and </body> tags, though some designers place it between the <head> and </head> tags. Instead of using the <noscript> tag for the statement, “Your browser does not support JavaScript!” you should make use of this for your important navigation links and anchor text.
A layout of the main navigation links in plain HTML between the <noscript> tags can be a valuable way of assisting the search engine spider in accessing the most important pages of the site. Another method is to link the sitemap, accomplishing nearly the same thing. I would caution you, however, not to depend solely on the <noscript> tag to perform the same SEO tasks that any other webmaster has to follow, such as valid anchor text and clear internal navigation. Many unscrupulous webmasters in the past have abused the <noscript> tags, and now some search engines disregard the text placed between the <noscript> tags altogether. If you don’t have the other SEO factors in order, then the <noscript> tag will not save you or your site from dropping into search engine obscurity.
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