Search Engine Optimization to the Limit - Examples of Advanced Optimizing Techniques 6-7
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6. The use of the apache mod_rewrite module, or for Windows servers, ISAPI filters to cut down the number of parameters on dynamic urls (Google has problems over 3 parameters and deepcrawling with long urls full of parameters (‘?’ and ‘&’) is not cloaking and is perfectly acceptable. I mention this as many think flattening out urls through server side technology must be some form of spam. I use it on my own forum, and it works very well. The user sees the same url as a search engine spider, and therefore it is not a form of cloaking. All I am doing is helping Google index my pages.
7. Text links in the footer area (at the bottom of visible page) as alternative navigation to a traditional top left or top horizontal navigation not only can help spiders find internal pages, but it is also an excellent workaround for main navigation which uses say imagemaps, java or javascript menus, the links of which would not otherwise for the most part be able to be followed. It is also good design practice to have navigation below as well as above the ‘fold’. Don’t feel you are spamming just because you add additional text links at the footer of your page.
Conclusion
The above represents seven forms of legitimate optimization which work and do not involve spamming the search engines. They should be used in moderation, and whatever you are going to do, do not hide content, attempt to dupe the search engines through redirection where there exists no valid reason to do so. Some of the above methods can also be used to spam search engines. Believe me, it is not worth the risk. If you overdo any of the above and your site gets removed, do not point the finger at this article or myself. I use the above to help the search engines, not to abuse them!
If you are unsure as to whether what you are doing is over the top or not, the likelihood is it is. Always err on the side of caution, but also don’t be afraid to use the tips above in moderation. Common sense is really the best way to evaluate whether or not you are abusing or helping a search engine.
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