JavaScript SEO office hours October 28th, 2020

TL;DR

Discussion on JavaScript SEO topics, including pagination and analytics.

Transcript

MARTIN SPLITT: All right. Hello, and welcome to the JavaScript SEO office hours on October 28, if I remember correctly, or if I can read my numbers on the watch correctly. In these, you have the opportunity to post questions onto YouTube. If you go to youtube.com/goog lewebmasters/community, you'll find different threads for the questions for the d... Read More

Key Insights

• JavaScript pagination is generally not an issue for SEO, but testing is crucial to avoid potential problems.
• Handling 404 errors in Search Console related to JavaScript-rendered links is not a major concern unless it affects user experience.
• Create React App is mostly SEO-friendly, but adding React Helmet can enhance metadata management.
• Jamstack websites are beneficial for dynamic content, but server-side rendering requires careful testing to avoid issues.
• Adding JavaScript-powered graphs can impact core web vitals if not managed properly, particularly with cumulative layout shift.
• Internationalization features, like changing prices and currencies based on location, need careful implementation to avoid SEO issues.
• Loading third-party JavaScript, such as analytics, should be deferred to minimize performance impact.
• Developers should consider SEO as a requirement, similar to performance or accessibility, for better collaboration with SEO specialists.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is it bad to use JavaScript for pagination?

Using JavaScript for pagination is generally not problematic for SEO. However, it's crucial to test the implementation to ensure it doesn't break or become unrecognizable by search engines. Proper testing helps in avoiding issues that could affect how search engines index the pages.

Q: How should developers handle 404 errors related to JavaScript-rendered links?

404 errors in Search Console related to JavaScript-rendered links are not a significant issue unless they affect user experience. These errors indicate a page doesn't exist, which can happen when a link is incorrect. If it's bothersome, consider using robots.txt to disallow problematic URLs.

Q: What are the SEO considerations for Create React App?

Create React App is mostly SEO-friendly, but it's advisable to add React Helmet to manage metadata effectively. For more insights, developers can refer to the JavaScript SEO video series, which includes an episode on React. Proper metadata management enhances the SEO performance of React applications.

Q: Are there any pitfalls with Jamstack websites for SEO?

Jamstack websites are generally good for dynamic content but require careful server-side rendering to avoid SEO issues. Testing is essential to ensure the rendered HTML is correct. Developers should avoid assuming server-side rendering will automatically resolve all SEO concerns without thorough testing.

Q: How can JavaScript-powered graphs be added without affecting core web vitals?

To add JavaScript-powered graphs without affecting core web vitals, ensure they don't cause cumulative layout shift. Use CSS to set fixed dimensions for graph containers and minimize JavaScript file loading. Pre-rendering graphs can also help maintain performance and avoid wasting crawl budget.

Q: What should developers consider for internationalization features in SEO?

For internationalization, such as changing prices and currency based on location, ensure the implementation doesn't confuse search engines. Avoid forced redirects that might lead to canonicalization issues. Testing with a staged rollout can help identify and resolve potential SEO challenges.

Q: How can third-party JavaScript impact page speed and SEO?

Third-party JavaScript, like analytics, can slow down page speed. Load these scripts as late as possible and defer them to reduce impact. Balance the need for data accuracy with performance considerations. Consider using APIs to send necessary data without loading entire tracking scripts.

Q: How can SEOs better communicate with developers about SEO requirements?

SEOs should frame SEO as a requirement similar to performance or accessibility. Explain the importance of visibility in search engines and how it aligns with developers' goals of creating usable and accessible websites. Encouraging collaboration and testing can bridge the gap between SEOs and developers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The session covered various JavaScript SEO topics, including best practices for pagination and handling 404 errors in Search Console. Martin Splitt emphasized the importance of testing JavaScript implementations to ensure they do not hinder SEO performance.

• Create React App and Jamstack frameworks were discussed, highlighting their SEO capabilities. Splitt recommended using React Helmet for metadata and stressed the importance of server-side rendering for robust SEO.

• The conversation also touched on internationalization and the impact of third-party JavaScript on page speed. Splitt advised deferring analytics scripts and engaging developers by framing SEO as a necessary requirement.