Pages contain frames
- Meredith's Husband
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Why Frames Are Not Ideal for SEO
Frames, or "iframes," are web elements that display content from another source within a window on your website. You might use frames to embed contact forms or videos, but this approach can lead to SEO and functionality challenges. In this post, we’ll explore why Google finds frames problematic and how you can improve your website's SEO by avoiding them when possible.
What Are Frames and Why Are They Used?
Think of a frame as a “window” embedded on your website that shows content from another site. Frames are commonly used to embed things like contact forms or YouTube videos. However, the frame method is generally listed last in embedding options because it presents both SEO and functional issues.
Why Frames Are Problematic for SEO
Frames hinder SEO because Google cannot always "see" the content within them. For example, if you use a frame to display a contact form, Google might not recognize the form or be able to index its content. This invisibility limits the SEO value that content could bring to your page. In contrast, Google can usually index frames from YouTube videos because it owns YouTube and has access to its content, but that’s not always the case with other sources.
Functional Issues with Frames
Frames often create formatting issues, particularly on mobile devices. It’s difficult to ensure that content displays well on both desktop and mobile screens, leading to a potentially frustrating user experience. For example, contact forms or sign-up forms within frames might not adjust properly on smaller screens, making them hard for visitors to interact with.
Alternatives to Frames
To avoid these issues, look for alternative methods to embed content, especially for forms or similar elements. Most platforms that provide embeddable content, like contact forms, offer methods other than frames. These alternatives are typically more SEO-friendly and provide a better user experience.
While frames are often acceptable for videos, especially from YouTube or other platforms that Google can index, using alternatives for forms and non-video content can boost your SEO and make your website more user-friendly.
By minimizing the use of frames on your website, you’ll create a site that’s easier for search engines to understand and more enjoyable for visitors to navigate.