Sue Nolff's Weblog » Blog Archive » Your Home Page Content

Your Home Page Content

May1

So have you ever wondered just what the search engines see when they visit your site? Here’s a great way to get an idea of it. I’d like you to open another browser window so you can navigate to your website without losing my site window.

I’ll assume you’ve done that. Now view the “source” code of that page. With each browser you will have to access this a little differently, but you’ll find the option somewhere in the top navigation bar for your browser.

Now, unless you know a little bit about html, you probably won’t understand much of what you see in this window. Here’s the catch — if you don’t find the text on your home page clearly visible somewhere in this long (hopefully!) page of code, then either can the search engines! This code very closely resembles exactly what the search engines see when they visit your site.

If the text of your home page is embedded in images or in a flash presentation, then the search engines have no way to “read” your home page. Your home page is the page that is supposed to give the search engines all the information they need to know about your website; for instance, the name of your company, what your company generally does, all the links to the other pages in your website, the location of your business (for geo-location purposes), etc. If the search engine spiders don’t find that information there, they will simply move on to the next website. That will invariably leave you wondering for weeks, months, even years why your site just doesn’t show up on the first page when you search for it, even though you’re the only widget builder in town.

Can you see where this is going? I can’t tell you how many times I hear clients say something like, “My site must have the WOW factor right when people get there. I want a flash splash page!”

Okay, I’m done gagging. People, people, people! Flash is great! Yes, I’ll say that. But please, can we constrain it to pieces strategically placed on well-optimized home pages? NOT the whole darn page, please. Go out there and find a website that I’m sure really has the WOW factor (that’s ‘why oh why’ in my book) because of its flash intro. Please view the source code of that page. You will find that the source code is only about 15 or so lines long, and not one bit of it contains the all-important text about your company that the search engines need to find.

Now I’ll admit that Google has started pulling text out of flash pieces, but they are the only search engine doing this.

I’m just amazed when I visit a site that has the entire site navigation built in flash. How does that company expect the search engines to navigate to any page other than the home page? It can’t be done.

If I am able to dissuade just one person from insisting on a flash splash page, then I’ve accomplished my mission here. Please just let that be you.

Print This Post

posted under Design, Home

96 Comments to

“Your Home Page Content”

On April 25th, 2011 at 5:12 am 抓姦 Says:
There are tons of websites that simply make garbage information, but yours are different, I am so happy to read your post.
On May 10th, 2011 at 8:36 pm my colleges and careers online courses Says:
Greetings! Very valuable suggestion on this blog! It’s the little changes that create the most dramatic shift. Thank you so much for sharing!
On May 11th, 2011 at 7:47 pm host gator coupon Says:
Every time I read a great article I usually do one of three thing:1.Show it to all the relevant contacts.2.Bookmark it in all of the best social sharing websites.3.Be sure to return to the same site where I read the article.After reading this article I’m seriously concidering doing all three.
On May 14th, 2011 at 7:00 pm lunarpages coupons Says:
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
On May 16th, 2011 at 6:14 pm Lula Leyvas Says:
This is very interesting post. I really liked it. Please keep posting such an informative post.
On May 17th, 2011 at 1:47 am Natashia Arguilez Says:
Thanks a bunch !:)
On May 17th, 2011 at 4:51 pm Lula Cuppernell Says:
Once again, your article is very nice
On May 19th, 2011 at 4:34 pm barricas de segunda mano Says:
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information particularly the last part I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
On May 23rd, 2011 at 11:23 pm tv online Says:
You got a very superb website, Glad I observed it through yahoo.
On May 27th, 2011 at 4:32 am european river cruises Says:
What an excellent article! I was searching on Google for some information but after I stumbled upon your site and started clicking I noticed that 40 minutes passed by in a blink of an eye Could you let me know if your article writer accepts more clients please? Thanks so much, Nicole
On May 27th, 2011 at 7:52 pm Marquita Grennon Says:
very nice
On May 29th, 2011 at 3:22 am online tv Says:
You are so inspirational and you talk sense. That’s important. You’re intelligent and you have a lot of heart. I love your posts! Thank you!
On May 29th, 2011 at 1:59 pm eenzaam Says:
It truly is rare to encounter a professional person in whom you might have some confidence. In the world today, nobody truly cares about showing others exactly how in this subject matter. How fortunate I am to have now found a real wonderful site as this. It’s people like you who really make a real difference nowadays through the concepts they discuss.
On May 29th, 2011 at 5:42 pm Link Building Campaign Says:
I just visited your site, and I love it. Did you go to college to learn to write?
On May 30th, 2011 at 3:19 pm host my website Says:
You have constructed an amazing site! I hope you keep up the great job. I absolutely appreciate your content.
On May 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm european river cruises Says:
What an excellent article! I was searching on Google for some information but after I stumbled upon your site and started clicking I noticed that 40 minutes passed by in a blink of an eye Could you let me know if your article writer accepts more clients please?
On May 31st, 2011 at 12:04 am Fallon Amezquita Says:
fantastic
On May 31st, 2011 at 8:38 am host files Says:
Your website is certainly full of remarkable information and facts and also is really very pleasant to read through.Properly carried out:)
On May 31st, 2011 at 1:08 pm Dave Gaulding Says:
I think i just had a light bulb appear over my head thanks to your blog. lol good job.
On June 1st, 2011 at 5:56 pm tiffany engagement rings Says:
This is an extremely great site you have going here. The matter is very informative and straight to the point. Excited to read more about your blog next time.
On June 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 am Pattaya City Hotels Says:
Fantastic blog
On June 2nd, 2011 at 11:55 pm Glen Sobanski Says:
The way you write make it very simple to read. And the template you use, wow. It truly is a really good combination. And I am wondering whats the name of the design you use?
On June 3rd, 2011 at 9:44 am how to make money online Says:
Hello, I just saw your website and I really like it.
On June 3rd, 2011 at 9:56 am suenolff Says:
Now if I gave away my template secret, then I’d start seeing it all over the internet Besides, as a web designer, I started with a template, then made changes to make it my own.

Many of you have commented on my writing. Thank you! I write all these articles myself based on my experience as a web designer. I had an excellent education as a child and I credit that for my writing skills. Yes, I took some writing classes in college, but writing was not my main focus.
On June 4th, 2011 at 10:29 am how to make money online as a teenager Says:
Great Post! It’s very nice to read this info from someone that actually knows what they are talking about.
On June 4th, 2011 at 5:20 pm Porsha Breaker Says:
This is such a fantastic resource that youre offering and also you give it free of charge. I adore seeing web websites that comprehend the value of providing a quality resource free of charge.
On June 4th, 2011 at 6:56 pm free ways to make money online Says:
Hey there , I am making a popular forum and I think some of your articles would fit the context good. Would you let me link back to this article?
On June 5th, 2011 at 4:38 pm gzymsy Says:
Interesting content on the site:) I look forward to further articles.
On June 7th, 2011 at 11:24 am Emily Says:
Just wanted to give you a shout from the valley of the sun, great information. Much appreciated.
On June 8th, 2011 at 9:36 am Steve Horn Says:
Sue, thank you for this article. It’s now about 2 years old now. I wonder about a fresher perspective. Question: how important is it nowadays to have lots of content on your home page as opposed to other pages or “landing” pages? I would like to see search engines respect my desire for a clean simple home page that helps visitors get to where they want to go fast and let the search engines send them directly to the pages with that info but is there any SEO value to loading up your home page (not a splash page) with tons of robot friendly content? How about a home page that displays a simple outline of what the site has to offer and let the user choose the specific areas (products, staff, services, learning, etc)??
Thanks, —Steve Horn
On June 8th, 2011 at 11:04 am suenolff Says:
Steve,
You’ve asked some great questions! The simple answer is, where do you want the focus to be on your site?

If you have multiple products that you want to focus on, then create multiple coinciding landing pages, and include the important information for the searchbots to find on those pages. Then place the link to those landing pages in many RELATED places across the web and on marketing materials to draw viewers directly to those pages. If this is the main focus of your site, then yes, you could just make the home page a clean directory-type page for your site (as long as the links to the interior pages are readable by the searchbots).

If the focus of your site is on your company itself, such as in a service-provider company, then the home page takes preference as the landing page, as described in this article.

To make it simple, a ‘landing page’ is where the keywords and company information focus should be on your site. Whether you are using the phrase ‘landing page’ to describe multiple product pages, or to describe your home page itself.

It is possible to blend having “tons of robot friendly content” with having a simple outline, like you describe. You actually don’t want “tons” of any kind of content, as searchbots start at the top and only read down so far on the page before they leave it (the character count varies). I would recommend a clean, outline format, with brief, keyword-rich descriptions for each line item, wrapped in an attractive layout for your site-viewer’s pleasure. Right to the point, without being overwhelming.

Incidentally, the fact that this article is two years old, but still draws interest, just shows that its content, unfortunately, is still relevant. Until web designers stop using Flash splash pages, or Flash navigation on websites, this article will keep its relevance.

I suspect that as designers start to use html 5, Flash will eventually become a thing of the past, but that’s a whole different future article in the making!
On June 9th, 2011 at 9:49 pm princess wedding dresses Says:
This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
On June 9th, 2011 at 11:05 pm Fun Stuff Says:
Heyyy I only wanted to take the time to say I love to read your website.
On June 12th, 2011 at 5:53 pm Camila Says:
I have really enjoyed reading your well written article. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
On June 14th, 2011 at 7:10 am Cecil Tyce Says:
Amazing! Your site has quite a few comment posts. How did you get all of these bloggers to look at your post I’m jealous! I’m still studying all about posting articles on the internet. I’m going to view pages on your website to get a better understanding how to get more visable. Thanks!
On June 14th, 2011 at 10:06 am suenolff Says:
Cecil,
It’s all about spending the time to post links to your blog articles out there on sites like Digg, StumbleUpon, etc. Also, finding related blogs, and leaving relevant comments about the blog posts there. That helps to establish you as an expert in the field. Of course, you want to leave your blog link on those posts as well. I also tweet about my blog posts when I post them.

Hope that helps!
On June 15th, 2011 at 1:07 am webhostingpad coupon Says:
I have read several good articles here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I’m surprised how much effort you put to make such a wonderful informative site.
On June 18th, 2011 at 1:44 am tonneaux Says:
Amazingly, your piece goes to the guts of the topic. Your clarity leaves me desirous to know much more. Just so you already, i’ll immediately seize your feed to keep up to date with your online blog. Thank you is simply my little way stating what a masterpiece for great resource. Take on my greatest wishes for your next post.
On June 18th, 2011 at 6:09 am Britt Ditch Says:
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
On June 19th, 2011 at 1:03 pm Download NKOTBSB Says:
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You’ve obviously spent a lot of time on this. Thank you!
On June 20th, 2011 at 12:34 pm Roseanne Bussard Says:
Hi, this is a remarkable weblog. I’m glad that I discovered it. Thank you!
On June 20th, 2011 at 9:45 pm Indian Green Tea Says:
I just wanted to say this is an amazing weblog, thanks for your post!
On June 21st, 2011 at 5:15 pm slot machines Says:
I’m not that much of an internet reader to be honest but your website is really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Many thanks
On June 21st, 2011 at 7:59 pm jeu de casino Says:
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Google buzz. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying unsucessufly. Appreciate it!
On June 22nd, 2011 at 2:09 am Plans for Boat Building Says:
That is superb! Nice work. This post was worth my time. Looking forward to your future post. Thanks for sharing.
On June 22nd, 2011 at 4:01 pm Candelaria Snode Says:
You made a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found nearly all folks will have the same opinion with your blog.
On June 22nd, 2011 at 4:39 pm UGG Boots for Men Says:
I just needed to say this really is an amazing weblog, thanks for that post!
On June 23rd, 2011 at 4:58 am Denna Lofredo Says:
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
On June 23rd, 2011 at 12:34 pm darts Says:
i’m adding your blog’s rss feed so that i can see your new posts. Keep up the good work!
On June 24th, 2011 at 7:55 am Mickey Mcwethy Says:
Wow thanks for this info Would you mind if i posted this on http://Tutorialforums.us ?
On June 24th, 2011 at 9:56 pm Danial Tuch Says:
Hi, I can’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me, please
On June 25th, 2011 at 9:44 am suenolff Says:
To add this site to your rss reader, just click the RSS icon at the bottom of the page, then subscribe from the feed screen. Thanks for your interest! Enjoy!
On June 25th, 2011 at 6:31 pm Dog Barking Says:
I don’t normally comment on blogs.. But nice post! I just bookmarked your site
On June 25th, 2011 at 6:59 pm rulet oyna Says:
Really good post. I like your no bs posts they are the reason I keep coming back here.
On June 25th, 2011 at 10:48 pm glaucoma eye drops Says:
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back later in life. I want to encourage one to continue your great posts, have a nice morning!
On June 26th, 2011 at 6:57 pm Shantay Decuir Says:
This article was extremely interesting.
On June 28th, 2011 at 11:19 am Kathryne Coto Says:
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..
On June 28th, 2011 at 4:39 pm karen millen dresses Says:
What a great blog and revealing post.
On June 29th, 2011 at 9:38 am Ava Bahler Says:
First-class post once again! Thanks a lot:)
On June 29th, 2011 at 12:05 pm car accessories Says:
great post
On June 30th, 2011 at 4:39 am Sari Harbold Says:
This is a smart weblog. I mean it. You’ve so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also understand how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Youve got a design here thats not too fancy, but makes a statement as big as what you are saying. Excellent job, indeed.
On June 30th, 2011 at 2:11 pm Celinda Pense Says:
Cheers, a really interesting read – added to bookmarks so will pop back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Cheers again.
On June 30th, 2011 at 7:19 pm turmeric benefits Says:
Nice post mate.
On July 2nd, 2011 at 7:54 pm Felix Delenick Says:
Excellent piece of writing and easy to understand story. How do I go about getting agreement to post part of the article in my upcoming newsletter? Offering proper credit to you the source and weblink to the site will not be a problem.
On July 6th, 2011 at 10:51 am breathable bumper Says:
Fabulous blog post, almost all of the data was tremendously helpful.
On July 6th, 2011 at 8:31 pm continental tires Says:
Youre not the average website writer. You certainly have anything powerful to add on the internet. Your design is so strong that you could virtually get away with being a bad writer, but youre even amazing at expressing what you have to express. Such a superb weblog. Ill be back for a lot more.
On July 8th, 2011 at 4:11 pm Coconut Oil Says:
i’m adding your blog rss feed so that I can see your new posts. Keep up the good work!
On July 15th, 2011 at 3:33 pm enarmad bandit Says:
I absolutely like your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind creating a post on some subjects you write about here. Again, awesome site!
On July 16th, 2011 at 7:53 am Margrett Foard Says:
Make sure you go on along with your wonderful weblog posts, I genuinely like them.
On July 20th, 2011 at 1:30 pm hand held vacuum Says:
I really liked the blog post. It is always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained!
On July 20th, 2011 at 5:39 pm Tea Says:
Hello, make sure you inform us when we’ll see a follow up.
On July 20th, 2011 at 6:05 pm index Says:
Excellent web-site! I’m loving it! I’ll come back for sure!!
On July 20th, 2011 at 7:21 pm Detroit Wordpress Design Says:
Hello. remarkable job. I did not imagine this. This is a great articles. Thanks!
On July 20th, 2011 at 7:33 pm darts Says:
Good morning, I was just wandering around online and I found your blog from another site. I read some of your blog posts and thought they were pretty good. Thank you, I’ll try to come back to your website again soon.
On July 20th, 2011 at 8:59 pm fcfc Says:
“Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!”
On July 24th, 2011 at 7:04 am Therese Schraeder Says:
Hey website owner, thank for sharing this valuable infos! It helped me a lot!
On July 25th, 2011 at 5:24 am dreamweaver courses Says:
Very good written information. It will be supportive to everyone who usess it, as well as me. Keep doing what you are doing – i will definitely read more posts.
On July 25th, 2011 at 10:20 am Britni Marcotrigiano Says:
Outstanding piece of writing not to mention very easy towards understand story. How do I just do receiving agreement towards submit part of this article with my future news letter? Offering suitable consumer credit rating back to you typically the source not to mention weblink in the web site will not be considered trouble.
On July 26th, 2011 at 1:58 pm Colene Brogna Says:
Hi there, I found your website by way of Google whilst looking for a similar matter, your web site came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
On July 26th, 2011 at 7:51 pm garlic benefits Says:
No BS and well written, thank you for the info
On July 26th, 2011 at 10:21 pm Banana Nutrition Says:
Thanks for the article. I thought it was good.
On July 26th, 2011 at 11:22 pm Carpet Cleaning Lexington KY Says:
Just wished to take the time to leave a comment to tell you I sincerely took pleasure in checking out this page.
On July 29th, 2011 at 10:07 am Hershel Gica Says:
captivating article, I bumped into this in the perfect time. I’m going to remember this blog for future reading. Thank You.
On July 29th, 2011 at 1:43 pm narcissistic Says:
Hardly anybody takes the time to go into such detail when posting to blog. I thank you for doing so.
On July 29th, 2011 at 7:13 pm laptop second Says:
I’m still learning from you, while I’m improving myself. I definitely love reading everything that is written on your site. Keep the information coming. I enjoyed it!
On July 30th, 2011 at 1:53 pm Cortez Mcfalls Says:
I admire what you have done here. I love the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that is working for you as well. Do you have any more info on this?
On August 1st, 2011 at 8:57 pm bespoke brides chester Says:
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
On August 24th, 2011 at 4:18 am narcissistic personality disorder Says:
Hardly anyone makes the effort to go into such detail when posting to blog. Thanks for doing so.
On August 24th, 2011 at 10:46 am darts Says:
Concise and well written, thanks much for the info
On August 25th, 2011 at 10:33 pm Maid Service NY Says:
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
On August 30th, 2011 at 4:27 pm suenolff Says:
If you search the internet for free wordpress blog templates, you should be able to find one to your liking. This site used one, but as a web designer, I ‘ve gone in and made quite a few changes to make it my own.

Happy hunting!
On September 5th, 2011 at 7:44 pm nike superfly cleats Says:
You seem to be very professional in the way you write.-.**.
On October 24th, 2011 at 10:49 pm Shayne S Says:
You are a very clever person!
On October 25th, 2011 at 12:10 pm jewelry beads Says:
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks
On October 25th, 2011 at 11:22 pm Woollen Blankets Says:
Splendid…

I totally appreciated this blog post!…
On November 13th, 2011 at 1:47 pm Kevin Housley Says:
A big thank you for your post. Really Great.