Sub Domains and SEO - #seopodcast 128

If a server trick is used so the folder path never appears in the address bar, it does not hurt SEO because Google cannot tell the difference. However, if the folder extension is visible in the URL, it may be harmful since Google gives more credibility to the homepage and that is where most inbound links point.

The episode lists nine tips from socialmediaexaminer.com: simplify content repeatedly, plan a minimal page layout, match desktop branding, use white space, avoid Flash and Java, reduce text entry with drop-downs, avoid pop-up windows, use mobile redirects to detect mobile browsers, and always let users switch to the full desktop site.

Flash is not supported on mobile devices and Adobe announced it would stop developing Flash for mobile and TV. Java also renders poorly on some devices such as BlackBerrys, causing interactive elements like drop-down menus to work inconsistently or fail entirely on smartphones.

According to the hosts, a well-designed mobile website with large icons and a simple layout can replace a dedicated app for most businesses. Apps should be reserved for actual application functionality, not just as shortcuts to a mobile version of a standard site.