"Load More" buttons, while user-friendly, can create significant issues for SEO. These buttons, commonly used to display additional content on websites, may prevent search engines from discovering and indexing all of your content. Here's why:
The Problem
Google's crawler cannot interact with "Load More" buttons, which typically use JavaScript to load additional content. This means Google can't see or index content hidden behind these buttons.
Why It Happens
- No Crawlable Links: "Load More" buttons usually don't include internal links that Google can follow.
- JavaScript Dependency: These buttons rely on JavaScript to function, which Google's crawler doesn't execute like a human user would.
SEO-Friendly Alternatives
To ensure all your content is crawlable and indexable, consider these options:
- Traditional Pagination: Use numbered pages with crawlable links.
- HTML Links: Add an HTML link to your "Load More" button.
- PushState with Infinite Scroll: This technique loads new URLs as users scroll, making content discoverable to search engines.
Remember, Google's experience of your site differs from a human user's. Ensuring your site is both user-friendly and SEO-optimized often requires finding a balance between these sometimes conflicting needs.
