Forum Moderators: phranque
I ask this because I have links across the top of the page, and in a search engine simulator these are the things that are first seen. This is great for the first link 'blue widgets' when I'm on the 'blue widgets' page - I get lots of traffic.
But if I'm on the 'red widgets' page then its link might be second, third or tenth across, and I don't seem to get as much traffic.
Wouldn't I be better having the links down the side, so that they were read a little later by the SE? That way I could get my H1 text and keywords higher up for the search engine.
I'm asking because I'm contemplating a site-wide change and wanted to confirm my theory first.
Even if you have your links down the left they are going to be seen before your main body text. Your options are:
1: Have your links down the right side - not ideal for usability.
2: Search for the 'table trick' which may allow you to reposition your code the way you're suggesting (depending on your design).
3: Learn to lay out your site using DIVs instead of tables. This is the real key to your problem, and will allow you to put your code anywhere you want in your files, regardless of the display position.
If you pick #3 (good choice) there are plenty of helpful folk in the CSS forum who will be able to help you out.
I have found that IE (mac) and IE (windows) display differently, then you throw NN and Safari into the mix and it really gets weird.
Any tips on good layout technique? (besides scripting for different browsers)
If you're really bothered about NN (I assume you mean Netscape 4) then you're likely to hit problems. Safari shouldn't be an issue. I spent years evangelising about Netscape 4 compatibility, but even I have now decided to ditch this antiquated app. The sub-2% of traffic you may lose can easily be made up by the better experience you can offer to other users.
