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I am working with a a web site that has flash-based navigation. This would greatly cause considerable problems for search engines, I would imagine. I have no control on this issue, as far as replacing the Flash Navigation.
I was wondering if a hidden layer, with regular text links inside them, would make a good workaround for this issue?
Is there a potential that it might be considered spam? I have intention of stuffing, I just want bots to crawl my through my links!
How well do pages using DIV Layers compare to a straight plain HTML one? Are there any alternatives?
Thanks!
Most definately. I would try something else. Not sure what though.
Right now hidden divs often get indexed - but this is playing with fire. Any time you have information that is visible to spiders but not to humans, you run the risk of being penalized or banned. If not by an automated filter, then anytime someone reports you and the site is subject to a hand check.
The best solution is definitely to add text links at the bottom of the page as a supplement to the Flash navigation.
By the way, using Flash for navigation is currently considered a big usability and accessibility error. If you do a Site Search here (see top menu) on "Flash navigation" and related terms, you'll find lots of commentary, links and ideas.
Tedster, I am definately aware of some of the problems of Flash Navigation. But unfortunately, I have no control over that. Maybe, if I show them (The Client) all of the commentaries here on this Forum, maybe that will change their mind! : )
Korkus, I guess I would go for a secondary visible navigation. I was just wondering if a hidden layer work, as I fear that the client might now like a secondary nav on the bottom.
Thanks for all of your help so far!
This is what I do for Flash navigations. That way users have 2 ways to get around and it helps the search engines. Win Win!
Sorry about my manners, welcome to WebmasterWorld!
Sometimes they listened to me right up front, and sometimes they needed a few hard knocks from the search engines before they would listen. It can take time for traditional, print-oriented marketers to appreciate what it takes to deliver a message in this newer medium.
Nevertheless, hyperlinks are the core of the web. You don't lightly mess with the core.
At the same time, Google WILL follow links in a Flash file, and I understand that Flash MX will allow you to add some helpful extra information to each link to improve accessibility.
It still isn't as good for ranking as straight HTML would be -- there would be a definite spam potential in MX if all the embedded content was just swallowed whole by the SE. Macromedia is working on the issue, however:
MacroMedia on Flash and Accessibility [macromedia.com]
