5 replies to this topic

[webstream]

Would keywords within a querystring (which is part of the URL) do anything to improve your results with the SEs?

Example:

monkey-sales.com/default.aspx?cat=1&brand=monkey&item=monkey-bars

Page content also includes keywords: monkey, monkey bars, etc...

Thanks,

Webstream

[Jill]

I would say that if the URL was one that could actually be spidered (not all URLs with query strings can) it would help, but only if other sites linked to the site by URL as opposed to by Title or whatever.

Jill

[webstream]

Jill,

I need to break down what you are saying so I can absord it properly!

1. Why would a querystring not be spidered?

>>>only if other sites linked to the site by URL as opposed to by Title or whatever<<<

2. Other sites link via the URL in the anchor tag.

As example: <a href="monkey-sales.com/default.aspx?cat=1&brand=monkey&item=monkey-bars
">Monkey Bars</a>

Is this what you mean?

Webstream

[Jill]

1. Why would a querystring not be spidered?

Because many search engines are hesitant to spider and index pages with query strings since they can lead to "spider traps" and duplicate content.

The more variables in your URL, the less likely it is to be spidered and indexed. Google is pretty good at most of these, but as others around here have pointed out in various threads, the other engines are apparently not indexing many dynamic-looking URLs with query strings.

2. Other sites link via the URL in the anchor tag.

As example: <a href="monkey-sales.com/default.aspx?cat=1&brand=monkey&item=monkey-bars
">Monkey Bars</a>

Then the keywords in the URL would have no effect. You only get an indirect effect of having keywords in your URLs, and that's only if people link to it strictly by URL, not by keywords the way you are showing it.

That said, it may be good for usability purposes to have the keywords in the query strings, as it clearly states what the page is all about.

Jill

[Ron Carnell]

Then the keywords in the URL would have no effect.

Is that an informed opinion, Jill? Or has someone with access to the spider algo directly told you that?

[Jill]

Is that an informed opinion, Jill? Or has someone with access to the spider algo directly told you that?

Anything I post is from my own learning process, unless otherwise stated!

Jill