7 replies to this topic

[Katy]

Hi All

I have a client who uses a drop down (<select>) menu on their shopping cart that contains the values 1 - 50. This is being indexed by the search engines and making the spidered text look a bit odd as it has:

CODE

[some really nicely worded and keyword rich text] 1 2 3 4 5 6..... 49 50 [some really nicely worded and keyword rich text] 1 2 3 4 5 6..... 49 50 etc.

Which my customer says is affecting keyword density (I'm an SEO newbie so I'm following him here!)

Whilst we could change the quantity box to a simple <input> box, I think my client likes the drop downs.

Does anyone have an advice or comments about this? Is there a way to stop the spider seeing this content or should we move to an <input> form field if he's worried about it?

Thanks for the help and have a lovely weekend!

Katy

[Ahmed]

Its pretty simple - keyword density doesn't matter Just look at your conversions and if they're not making money then I'm pretty sure there are many things to look at other than a drop down menu. Think "results driven seo" not "keyword density that may give spiders a stomach ache".

[chrishirst]

Create a meta description element that would be a better match for the page than the text snippet being used.

You already know what words to include

[Jill]

Which my customer says is affecting keyword density (I'm an SEO newbie so I'm following him here!)

It affects keyword density, but the customer is wrong if they believe that keyword density has something to do with how that page will rank. That info in the drop down won't hurt their rankings.

[Katy]

Thanks guys

If he's overly concerned I'll just swap it to an input box!

Katy

[roxyyo]

Sounds like more of a usability issue - 50 dropdown options?

[Katy]

Yes, 50 is a lot but apparently it's used!

[Hank Cowdog]

Yes, 50 is a lot but apparently it's used!

Do the customers have the choice not to use the dropdown box on this site? It's used because they have no other option...