Cloaking Pages to Reduce File Size for Spider size?

[doj464]

I am working with a client who has a large amount of content on his site.

The site relies on javascript for alot of actions, so the programmer used the .htaccess file to redirect the spiders to a text only (with a little markup - and basic navigation)...

The old page file size is around 10-30kb, while the new one is anywhere from 2-4 kb.

Possible disadvantage:
1) less content (no pictures - can't alt tag, less complex navigation - less linking)
2) possible cloaking penalties (very far fetched, they are highly indexed)

Possible advantages:

Easier search engine spidering due to faster page loads, and less non-text items to sift through (javascript has been scrapped. The javascript probably added the most issues).

I don't think the spiders have any problem with 20k file pages, or parsing large amounts of javascript... I would think that it would help to have what's in front of the users fed to the search engines as well. It adds more potential content, more links - and hence more keyword density.

I know, it's not about the spiders... but the bottom line is, are we making it easier for the search engine this way - or would rather see the whole kit and caboodle?

Also, would there be any harm in suddenly changing that back to what the user sees as well?

[incrediblehelp]

Why not move the javascript to an external file?

[doj464]

I could ask him to do that... depending on how much time it takes / how much value there is. Is that what you would suggest? Why?

[mjtaylor]

I would also recommend moving javascript off page. Always. It bloats the page and dilutes content. And the spiders don't read links in javascript.

[thindenim]

I would definitely go with the external file option. No sense in risking a penalty, just because you are getting away with it today, doesn't mean you won't get penalised tomorrow.

[doj464]

The site that I am talking about has over 15,000 pages. (It's run off of a database, but that could be pretty time consuming to fix.) If it's worth it, than I will definitely suggest it.

[DrTandem1]

Yes, an external file for scripts is the way to go. However, I think you underestimate the SEs. They know when they are being redirected. I would view a redirection with great concern, especially when spiders are targeted.

[edhan]

Yes. I do agree that moving the javascript to external file will be the best option. Using cloaking pages will eventually bring great harm to your site as it may cause it to be banned. That is not a good long term solution.

Depending on your existing coding and template, it may not be that difficult to revamp it.

[Orion]

doing what you mentioned is considered black hat.. .

linking the javaScript off page is the right way to lighten the page load... use css to layout the site that way you can place the text in the best order for the search engines.. they weight top of the page text heavier.

[luigip]

Originally Posted by doj464

I am working with a client who has a large amount of content on his site.

The site relies on javascript for alot of actions, so the programmer used the .htaccess file to redirect the spiders to a text only (with a little markup - and basic navigation)...

The old page file size is around 10-30kb, while the new one is anywhere from 2-4 kb.

Filesizes of 100kb and even more are no problem. But there has to be a certain ratio from content to code.
So in general you should move css and js to external files as incrediblehelp and others already mentioned above.