Layers and SEO?

Do layers cuase any problems for SEO?

[smokey99]

HI Everyone,
I have never used or dealt with layers before.
I have a web designer I am working with, who really wants to use them.
My analysis software, seems to see the content OK, but doesn't mean G will like it.

Are layers OK With SEO?
This is going to ba a 200 plus page site, and I would hate to use layers if it is going to mess up SEO.
There will be 4 layers and no overlapping (all will be visible)

Any advise?
Thanks
Smokey

[Symbios]

If you need layers to make your site work then use them, although I would avoid hidden layers as this is a technique often used by blackhats.

Will G like it? who cares..........

Seriously if the content is there their bot will pick it up and use it.

[smokey99]

Thanks Symbios,
No Hidden layers.

So text in layers have the same weight as non layered.

I am just leery to spend so much work, and then have to rewrite if layered text isn't as strong.
Thanks for the advise
Smokey

[nippi]

layers, are just divs, abolsutely positioned.

Divs, not tables, are the way forward.

Layers are in fact easier for seo than tables as you can choose what they see first.

Make sure your layer with the most relevant content is presented first, it may have its content given more weight by search engines

[smokey99]

OK , Now I get it.
thanks everyone.
I will start using layers instead of tables.

Have a good one.
Smokey

[PlanetTokyo]

You should probably be more concerned that those "layers" display properly across a wide range of browsers so that your users don't have problems. At the very least test for IE and Firefox. The GBot should have no problem getting to your content.

[smokey99]

PlanetTokyo
Thanks but I am not doing the design, only the SEO.
THe designers are used to layers, I am not.
Thanks for the help folks.