A problem when pagination is implemented with JavaScript in a way that search engines cannot crawl deeper pages.
Why JavaScript Pagination Issues Matter
JavaScript pagination issues are a major SEO problem because they directly impact a site’s crawlability and indexation rate. A website with a JavaScript pagination issue can have thousands of pages that are not being indexed, which results in a massive loss of organic traffic and revenue. A significant portion of the problem is that search engine crawlers are not the same as a user’s browser, and they may not execute the JavaScript that is needed to discover the links to the next page.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The way you handle JavaScript pagination issues depends on your CMS and how you build your site.
WordPress
WordPress’s default pagination is well-optimized for search engines. However, if you are using a plugin that uses JavaScript for “load more” functionality, you should ensure that you have a fallback HTML version of your pagination. You can also use a plugin to add a clear, HTML-based pagination to your site.
Shopify
Shopify’s standard pagination is also well-optimized for search engines. However, if you are using a third-party app that adds JavaScript pagination, you should ensure that you have a clear, HTML-based pagination that is easily crawlable.
Wix
Wix has a closed system, so you typically don’t have to worry about JavaScript pagination issues. The platform’s system is designed to handle its dynamic content in a way that is compliant with search engine guidelines.
Webflow
Webflow gives you a high degree of control over your website’s code. You can use a combination of a JavaScript-based pagination for a great user experience and a clear, HTML-based pagination for a search engine crawler. This is the best of both worlds.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that uses a combination of JavaScript-based pagination and a server-side rendered, HTML-based pagination for search engine crawlers. This is the most effective way to ensure that all your pages are indexed.
Across Different Industries
JavaScript pagination issues are a concern for all industries that have a large number of pages.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites are the most susceptible to JavaScript pagination issues. A large product catalog that is not properly indexed can result in a significant loss of organic traffic and sales.
Local Businesses
Local businesses with a large number of services or locations may have a JavaScript pagination issue. It is crucial to ensure that all their key pages are easily crawlable and indexable.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies with a large knowledge base or a blog can suffer from a JavaScript pagination issue. It is crucial to ensure that all their articles are rendered and indexed.
Blogs
Blogs with a large number of articles can suffer from a JavaScript pagination issue. It is critical to ensure that all your articles are rendered and indexed, which is a major factor in organic traffic.
Do’s and Don’ts of JavaScript Pagination
Do’s
- Do use a clear, HTML-based pagination: This is the gold standard for SEO. It ensures that a search engine’s crawler can easily find and follow all your pages.
- Do use rel=”prev” and rel=”next” tags: These tags tell search engines that the pages are part of a paginated series.
- Do use Google Search Console: The URL Inspection tool will show you how Google sees your pages.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a JavaScript-only pagination for your core content: This is the number one mistake and can lead to a significant portion of your content being invisible to search engines.
- Don’t block search engines from crawling your JavaScript files: A search engine needs to access your JavaScript to properly render the page.
- Don’t forget to optimize your page titles and meta descriptions: Just because your content is paginated does not mean you can ignore these on-page SEO basics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a JavaScript-only pagination: This is the most common and devastating mistake.
- Failing to use rel=”prev” and rel=”next” tags: These tags are a simple but effective way to tell search engines that your pages are part of a paginated series.
- Having a significant delay in rendering: Even if your JavaScript is crawlable, a long delay can lead to a search crawler giving up before all your pages are indexed.
FAQs
How does JavaScript pagination hurt my crawlability?
JavaScript pagination can hurt your crawlability because the links to the next page are not in the initial HTML. A search engine’s crawler must execute the JavaScript to find and follow the links, and if there’s a rendering error or a timeout, the crawler may miss important pages.
What is the difference between a load more button and traditional pagination?
A load more button uses JavaScript to add more content to a page without a full page reload. Traditional pagination uses a separate URL for each page in a series, which is easier for search engines to crawl.
How can I test if my website has a JavaScript pagination issue?
You can use the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console. It will show you a screenshot of how Google sees your page and a list of all the links it found. If it doesn’t find the links to the next page, you have a problem.
Can a website with a JavaScript pagination issue still rank?
A website with a JavaScript pagination issue may still rank, but it can be difficult. A significant portion of your content may be invisible to search engines, which can lead to a lower ranking and a loss of organic traffic.
What is the best way to handle JavaScript pagination?
The best way is to use a hybrid approach that uses a JavaScript-based pagination for a great user experience and a clear, HTML-based pagination for a search engine crawler. This is the best of both worlds.
