PHP website with templates and search engines 1

[tyhand]

Hi all,

I'm considering using PHP to build a web site. I plan to dynamically create the web pages using templates, but I'm curious to know if the search engines (google, etc) will be able to index all the pages.

I would like to have each page loaded using the prescribed template but with different meta tag information (if this is possible).

Will the search engines be able to index all the dynamically generated pages or will it just skip them all?

Any and all help, input, feedback, comments, etc. is greatly appreciated.

BTW, I'm running PHP 4 and I'm still a newbie. Thanks.

T Y H A N D

 

[ChrisHirst]

take a look through forum828.

dynamic pages are no problem for any SE,
few points.

don't require cookies.
don't put session IDs in the URL.
don't use more than 3 parameters in querystrings.
don't use frames or iframes.




Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?

http://www.candsdesign.co.uk

A website that proves the cobblers kids adage.

http://www.cram-system.com

Nightclub counting systems

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

 

[tyhand]

Hey Chris,

Thanks for the info.
I browsed the link you provided and found some good stuff. I see also that you're pretty active there and I appreciate your helping me in this forum.

Just two quick Qs: 1) Is it possible to have different meta tag info (keywords, description, etc.) for each generated page? If so, can you give me just the basics of how to proceed - I'll figure out the rest. 2) What do you mean when you say "don't use more than 3 parameters in querystrings"?

Thanks again for the help. Peace!

T Y H A N D

 

[ChrisHirst]

for the meta tags, you can just put them in as you would any other include or database data.
If you are pulling content from a DB pull the meta content at the same time. A more important issue than meta keywords is the page title. This should be unique for each page.

querystring parameters are the ? and & in the URL 1 or 2 are fine eg
products.php?cat=21&prod=55 will be ok. Once it gets to products.php?cat=21&prod=55&col=1 and more the spiders will back off indexing.
2nd level dynamics can also be a problem eg:
products.php?cat=21, then the links from the products.php page again use a querystring like display.php?prod=55 crawlers might not index the display.php links, because the crawler can get stuck in a "spider trap". Links like this will need another route to ensure indexing.


Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?

http://www.candsdesign.co.uk

A website that proves the cobblers kids adage.

http://www.cram-system.com

Nightclub counting systems

So long, and thanks for all the fish.