Chapter 7
Avoiding Things That
Search Engines Hate
In This Chapter
Working with frames and iframes
Creating a readable navigation system
Reducing page clutter
Dealing with dynamic Web pages
I
t is possible to look at your Web site in terms of its search engine friendli-
ness. (Chapter 6 of this book does just that.) It is equally possible, how-
ever, to look at the flip side of the coin — things people often do that hurt
their Web site’s chances with search engines, and in some cases even making
their Web sites invisible to the search engines.
This tendency on the part of Web site owners to shoot themselves in the foot
is very common. In fact, as you read through this chapter, you are quite likely
to find things that you’re doing that are hurting you. Paradoxically, serious
problems are especially likely for sites created by mid- to large-size compa-
nies using sophisticated Web technologies.
Steering you clear of the major design potholes is what this chapter is all
about. Guided by the principle, First Do No Harm, the following sections
show you the major things to avoid when setting up your Web site.
Dealing with Frames
Frames were very popular a few years ago, but they are much less so these
days, I’m glad to say. A framed site is one in which the browser window is
broken into two or more parts, each of which holds a Web page (as shown in
Figure 7-1).
