Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google’s New Guidance on JavaScript-Based Paywalls
Google updated its JavaScript paywall guidance to emphasize correct implementation. Websites should ensure paywalls only reveal full content after subscription confirmation, as hiding content with JavaScript before that is unreliable. This helps Google better detect paywalled content and improves SEO clarity.
Optimixed’s Overview: Enhancing SEO with Proper JavaScript Paywall Implementation
Understanding Google’s Updated Advice on Paywalls
Google has recently refined its official documentation related to fixing search-related JavaScript issues, specifically focusing on JavaScript-based paywalls. This update aims to clarify how paywalls should be implemented to avoid SEO pitfalls and ensure accurate content indexing.
Key Points of the Guidance
- Do not include full content in the server response if it is meant to be restricted. Some paywalls deliver the entire content initially and use JavaScript to hide it, which is discouraged.
- Display full content only after confirming the user’s subscription status. This ensures that Googlebot and users see consistent content access states.
- Clear separation of paywalled and free content helps Google accurately identify paywalled material. This supports proper indexing and ranking.
Why This Matters for SEO
Incorrect JavaScript paywalls can confuse Google’s crawlers, leading to potential indexing issues or misinterpretation of content accessibility. By following Google’s updated advice, site owners can improve their search visibility while protecting premium content effectively.
