January 14, 2009 by Jay Smith
Page segmentation looks like being a hot-button issue this year, so we thought we’d give you a quick crash course in what it is, how it works and the pros and cons for you and your site.
Okay, we’ll start with what page segmentation actually is. Segmentation is the process whereby a search engine attempts to break a web page down into easy to manage chunks. They do this so that they can analyse a web page more effectively, scoring distinct sections of the site differently for relevance, importance etc.
It is not a new tactic, it has been being talked about since the 90s, though due to its complexity and other factors it has taken some time to come of age. In 2009 it looks finally to be gaining some traction within the industry. By the end of this year it could be a well established tactic.*
This is a sensible thing for search engines to do, not least because it closely matches the way we actually use websites, i.e. in a segmented way, or at least according to a structure established within our minds. For example, when you go to a website you are aware of the usual locations for navigation tabs, adverts, etc. So on some level you are navigating around a site based on instinct as much as the copy/instructions on the site. You know what to pay attention to and what to ignore.
*Please Note: Whilst implementation may be likely, there is no concrete evidence that any search engine uses or plans to use segmentation in the near future.
Related posts:
- Page Segmentation Part 2: How does it work?
- Page Segmentation Part 3: The potential Advantages for Search Engines
- Page Segmentation Part 4: The Advantages for your Site and Consumers
- Page Segmentation Part 5: Potential Issues and implications for Spammers
- How to get on the Digg home page pt1
- What you need on your page to make SEO work for you
