Widgets like Facebook Like and AddThis - Any Negative SEO?

[JeanYates]

I could go widget crazy with my website, there are so many cool buttons and linking this and likes and etc.

There's one that is used a lot, called "Addthis" that adds a series of small icons to share a page via facebook, twitter, etc. The javascript looks innocent enough, but there's a link, and who knows what google makes of it.

Then there are the dozen or so Facebook widgets - are they safe to use without negative SEO consequences?

Does anyone know of any other pitfalls with using the numerous addons offered free to enhance your site?

Thanks for any wisdom out there!

Jean

[Francisco_Meza]

Yes, watch Rand's White Board Friday on 2011 Ranking Factors. I just put it on my site yesterday. It's at the bottom: http://www.shipoverseas.com/us/ship-car/europe/shipping-car-to-germany.html

[KeriMorgret]

Would love to hear more about your experience with this, and any data you have about this!

[Francisco_Meza]

I don't know of any pitfalls. As a  matter of fact, I think the more people who 'share' on the AddThis Facebook button, the higher your rankings will go.

[zharriet]

You can get around the page speed issue by creating your own links.

You can make a Facebook link to your Facebook page using the FB logo and hyperlink.

Same for Twitter.

Make sure it doesn't use javascript. Why the widget makers don't get it amazes me.

[KeriMorgret]

I agree with the page speed comment, they have been known to slow down sites.

As a user, I get annoyed with an addthis-type widget that pops up with 50 social networks that I can like or submit to. If you are going to use one of those, take a few extra moments to look and include just the ones your users are likely to use

[tylerfraser]

Don't worry about these widgets. The major issue is keeping your page speed down. That's the primary issue with these widgets.