Which is more effective: JQuery + CSS for Tabbed Content or Create Unique Pages for each tab.

[knowyourbank]

We are building a from-scratch directory site and trying to determine the best way to structure our pages. Each general listing page has four sections of specific information.

What is a better strategy for SEO: Using tabs (e.g. JQuery + CSS) and putting all content on one page (and will all of the content still be indexible using JQuery?) OR creating unique pages for each section.

1. JQuery:  sitename.com/listing-name#section1
2. Unique Pages:  sitename.com/listing-name/section1

If I go with option one, I can risk not being crawlable by google if they can't read through the scripting. However, I feel like the individual pages will not rank if there's a small amount of content for each section. Is it better to keep all the content on one page and focus on building links to that? Or better to build out the section pages and worry about adding quality content to them so that long term there is more specificity for long tail search and better quality search experience on Google?

We are also set up to have "../listing-type/listing-name" but are considering removing 'listing type and just having "../listing-name/". Do you think this more advantageous for boosting rankings?

I know that was like five questions. I've been doing a lot of research and these are the things that I'm still scratching my head about. Some general direction would be really great!

Thank You!

[knowyourbank]

Thanks Casey. I'm interested see if there is any varying opinion. I've had a few voted in favor of your methodology, but a couple of critics for the alternative.

I think one page with all of the content will work well for us. Plus, the user experience should improve since we won't be having to load a new page each time the user wants to see additional information.

[CaseyKluver]

Hi Grant,

There are multiple ways of going about this I am sure, but here is my take.

To me, this sort of depends on the content of all 4 tabs and if they are relevant and valuable for the user on this page. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself:

• Does the user really want to load a new page to see a small section what may or may not have belonged on the previous page?
• Does it make since for a user to go to a new page? (is there a ton of content in these sections)
• Is each section targeting a new keyword, or supporting the main keyword?

jQuery + CSS will be just fine

As long as your developer knows what he is doing, loading jQuery(or better yet pure css) tabs Google will index all of the content on this page. Google should see sitename.com/listing-name#section1 as sitename.com/listing-name. Just make sure the code structure is setup to support any content hierarchy.

**../listing-type/listing-name/ vs ../listing-name/ **

I think this could come down to what these listings are.. If this was say a real estate website it would make since to set it up like:

• ../house/123-main-st/
• ../apartment/432-main-st/

If it makes since to add a listing type I say go for it.

Again, this can differ for what type of content you are providing, but this should provide you with a good sense of general direction.

Thanks,

Casey