Web 2.0 sites have caught on because they offer slick user interfaces, with cool AJAX effects and lots of user-friendly controls and really useful mashups of content. But many Web 2.0 developers are apparently clueless when it comes to search engine optimization—often to the point where they're actively harming their presence in search engines.

For example: I really love Schmap—a little company that makes robust local guides, mashing up interactive maps with articles, events, pictures and local listings for restaurants, hotels, museums, clubs, etc., and enabling some sharing utilities though their Schmapplets. They're cool not least because of their strong integration with Flickr. But, the disappointing thing for me is that they have not built themselves to be optimized for search. For a small, up-and-coming local guide site that's courting as much coolness as they can, this is a serious oversight.

Click to continue reading...