Today Dan explains the difference between organic links and using JavaScript to links to other pages, and its effect on Search Engine Optimisation.

JavaScript is a tool that’s widely used in the Web design industry today. Essentially it gives Web designers more power to control objects on pages and to deliver special/fancy effects and interactive functions to Website visitors.

Unfortunately when you use JavaScript to link to other pages on your Website, it will not be indexed by the Google Robot. This is because Google will not treat your link as a real link – but rather as a script, and therefore your Website will not be “fully” indexed and will lose visibility on search engines.

Should I remove JavaScript to appease the search engines?

To blatantly contradict what I just said, I’m now going to clarify that it isn’t entirely true to say Google will not read any JavaScript links.

Some JavaScript is still recognised by Google, such as “On-click” events. You can still use JavaScript, but you must make sure search engine robots accept your code.

Relating to your Website visitors

According to some Web trend analysis report I read [yeah citation needed, I can't remember though], about 3% of users have a non-JavaScript Web browser. This includes users who disable JavaScript functions from their Web browser to avoid possible hacks and virii. So if you’re using JavaScript in any form on your site you’re automatically blocking a portion of your audience.

Conclusion

To design and develop a modern Website, we have no choice but use JavaScript. However, if you’re using JavaScript to link pages, add alternative links to ensure your site is indexed by the search engines.

For example, go ahead have a fancy JavaScript drop down menu in your header, but remember to put normal text links on the footer, so that the robots still have a way to dig through your Website.

MaxGen Media

All of our Websites are fully search engine optimised, so you can expect all your Web pages to be indexed by Search Engines. As a result the visibility of your Website will be maximised and enjoyed by the world.