Crawling refers to the search engine’s ability to scan web pages. Rendering, on the other hand, refers to the content of the web page. JavaScript influences the rendering part of the web page.
For example, if an online store wishes to show content consisting of the price of the product or the outline of the product, they could do that using JavaScript. The person can view the content material right away.
Client-Side Rendering and Its Impact on SEO
It involves the search engine or browser to load the content of the web page. It helps in speeding up the process. However, it can have a bad impact on the SEO of the website. It involves the search engine to run the JavaScript files successfully. It is not possible every time. Websites with high levels of client-side rendering face the following issues:
- The website takes more time to load
- The website displays in search engines after a long time
- The website fails to get internal links
- The website fails to display metadata in search results
Server-Side Rendering – The Safer Option
As discussed above, server-side rendering sends the entire web page to the user and search engine.
This method avoids the risk of JavaScript files.
Hybrid rendering is currently supported by many frameworks, which is a combination of speed and crawlability.
By adopting server-side rendering, websites can enjoy the following benefits:
- Improved crawlability of new content
- Consistent search engine rankings
- Greater visibility for long-tail search queries
Hidden Content and Lazy Loading Issues
One of the problems with the use of lazy loading is that the content may be hidden from the search engines. The content that is loaded after scrolling may not be crawled by the search engines. The content material might be images, links, or other content that is loaded after scrolling. It is essential to say that the use of lazy loading improves the rate of the web page. However, it’s far recommended to first load the content material, because the content material can be hidden from the search engines.
What Real SEO Audits Have Revealed
Blog content that is hidden behind “load more” buttons
Internal links that are injected after scrolling
Images that are not included in the HTML
This content may not be crawled by the search engines.
JavaScript may also lead to a slower experience on the website. This is an important factor for the search engine results, especially for mobile devices. This may lead to a poor experience for the user.
Some of the common issues that may arise due to JavaScript may include:-
- Large JavaScript files
- Unused JavaScript files
- Speed issues
These issues may also lead to an increase in the bounce rate.
Metadata and JavaScript: Pitfalls to Avoid
Title tags, meta descriptions, and canonical tags should be included in the HTML source code. This may not be done if metadata is generated only through JavaScript.
Some of the pitfalls that the SEO team may encounter:
- Using duplicate title tags for different pages
- Lack of a canonical tag
- Crawling issues for filtered pages
Using simple server-side metadata may be the solution to these pitfalls.
Internal Linking Gets Overlooked
Internal links can play a critical role in helping search engines like google crawl your internet site. Dynamic internal links created through JavaScript are not going to be crawled through search engines.
Some examples of internal links being ignored on actual websites:
- Only using JavaScript to create navigation menus
- Category links that are only created by clicking on a link
- Using JavaScript to create pagination
If internal links are not used correctly, then important pages on a website will continue to be ignored.
When JavaScript Is Not the Enemy
JavaScript is not bad for SEO. JavaScript is used correctly, then it is actually good for SEO.
The correct usage of JavaScript to improve SEO:
– Correct usage of progressive enhancement
– Proper HTML structure
– Correct usage of tools to test the page as a search engine crawler would
It is not about just using JavaScript, it is about using it correctly.
Testing What Search Engines Actually See
One of the best ways to get started is to display pages similar to a search engine. This is done using tools that allow you to see what is actually displayed as HTML. This is a huge eye-opener for many website owners who wonder why they are not ranking well.
Regular testing helps to avoid:
- Broken scripts
- Blocked resources
- Rendering issues
FAQs
Can Google crawl JavaScript websites?
Yes, but not always completely and immediately.
Is JavaScript bad for SEO?
No, but it can be if not properly utilized.
What is the safest method for rendering JavaScript?
Server-side or hybrid rendering is the safest method.
Are JavaScript frameworks responsible for the ranking of the website?
Only if the basics of SEO are not followed.
How would you determine if the JavaScript is causing the search engine to not crawl the website?
Rendering tests would determine such issues.
Final Thoughts
JavaScript has revolutionized the design and development of websites, and with regards to SEO, the same applies to the need to be clear and accessible. As a technical analysis of websites by MDG has shown, making minor changes to the rendering and speed of a website can result in a substantial increase in organic traffic. This, of course, is not to say that the use of JavaScript needs to be stopped, but rather used correctly, ensuring that the user and the search engine benefit from the proper use of the programming tool. This would ensure that businesses not only avoid the pitfalls of SEO, but would also benefit from the proper use of professional seo services.
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