Yes, they can! But how? Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of AJAX-SEO
collaboration, let’s understand these terms in isolation.
What is AJAX?
AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML which is a ground-breaking
technology that makes websites more interactive for the end-users. The benefit
of AJAX is that it brings together different technologies to build a technique
that make web pages more like web applications.
Why Is It Being Used?
One of the problems that websites have is that they are neither responsive
nor user-friendly. Web browsers expect quick response from the websites as
they have been used to getting the same from standalone applications such as
Microsoft office. Many websites these days are addressing this issue by developing
AJAX based websites where the pages do not load as a result of the user action.
Rather, a particular section of the webpage is changed. Hence, this ensures
faster interaction as there is little time for unloading and downloading of
content on the web page.
What’s The Benefits of AJAX?
AJAX helps you by being interactive as it renders the request in small sections.
Therefore, AJAX facilitates in creating a scenario which is both data-centric
and user-oriented. Although, initially the developers were skeptical and very
cynical about the implementation of AJAX, but the introduction of Google of
Web Toolkit (GWT) brought a radical turn around in the concept. With the help
of GWT, the developers can now easily create application and users also stand
to benefit from it.
What’s the Fuss All About?
Most webmasters are apprehensive about the use of AJAX on their websites as
it will not be search engine friendly. AJAX applications use Java Scripts which
is believed to be invisible to search engine spiders. In other words, search
engines can not see most of the content on websites that are built using AJAX.
This is because only small portion of the webpage gets changed while the user
makes a specific request. There is simply no static URL that search engine
can direct the web users to.
Can This Be Sorted Out?
Yes, this can be sorted out. All you have to do is create parallel site which
should be targeted for search engine spiders and for other browsers that do
not support Java Script. Quite a few websites have already employed this technology
to strike a balance between web interaction and search engine optimization.
The designers and developers have to be aware of these two technologies and
the problems thereof. For example, while loading AJAX application, developers
should include optimized elements such as title and headers. Moreover, URL
has to be rewritten in form of a fixed address that can be indexed by search
engines for ranking purposes. Besides, you can create multiple internal links
using keyword specific inbound links which will point towards a specific section
and not just the home page of the website.
So AJAX and SEO can definitely co-exist and web visitors will no longer define
WWW as World Wide Wait!!!
Maneet Puri heads Day Robinson Services, India, a rising company specializing in web based application services, web optimization services, and web
development India services. Maneet possesses significant expertise in web based applications and web design
services which he implements for various knowledge driven processes. He also offers expert advice on all aspects of deploying & promoting a website.