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I'm building a Flash version and HTML version of a website. On the index page I am using the Macromedia Flash Dispatcher, javascript. For those unfamiliar with this script it basically does a check to see if you have the latest version of flash installed. If you do have flash installed then you get redirected to the FLash version. IF not, you get redirected to the HTMl version.
My question is: Will the Googlebot parse the entire index page or will it automatically redirect to the html version of the website. Your comments are appreciated. Thank you.
If it is a server side redirect, then Google will get the proper page.
If it is a client side redirect, then Google will ignore it.
As I am unfamiliar with the workings of this Macromedia product you mention, perhaps if you check the server header response you would be able to see if it was a server or client side redirect?
Welcome to the board!
All search engine spiders have problems with parsing JS, they just wont follow it.
My best advice would be to let users choose themself what they want to chew (some might prefer beef flavor). ;)
An alternative could be to put plain vanilla links to main sections of the HTML version of site on sniffer page for bots to follow.
Cheers!
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm really impressed with this board. I will add the vanilla links to help the googlebot to the main html part of the site.
I have one other question. I've read that google may penalise websites for creating content that is not acutally for users and that the index page is your most important page. I intend to add links and descriptions to the main index page, howerver, end users will never see it as the macromedia java script will redirect them to the proper desitinations. Will google see this as improper? I know no one here can speak for google directly, but what is the common practice for FLash Developers in the position. Will adding content only for the Search engine on the main index page get me banned.
I would of course follow the correct content guidelines and not spam keywords and links.
Thanks again.
Right, but still, great white sharks swim trought the net and swallow all they like. Dont worry, and do your job.
>>and that the index page is your most important page.
Still true, but only for niche markets.
>>I intend to add links and descriptions to the main index page, howerver, end users will never see it as the macromedia java script will redirect them to the proper desitinations. Will google see this as improper?
If I where you, I would forget Google for a minute and think about visitors. In my book, they deserve better respect than your client, for your client and your own benefit. Responding to demand is key.
>>I know no one here can speak for google directly, but what is the common practice for FLash Developers in the position.
There is a member here, officially representing Google.
>>Will adding content only for the Search engine on the main index page get me banned.
Eventually, yes. Focus on visitors, give them what they want... Google will follow.
>>I would of course follow the correct content guidelines and not spam keywords and links.
Note that I am a slow typer...
