Rather then using a sub-domain use folders on the existing domain.

www.mydomain.com/es not es.mydomain.com

This method allows you to keep all of your domain authority in one place and strengthens your site as a whole. There really isn't much difference between using a subdomain versus using completely different domains.

The functional purpose of H1 tags is to identify sections of text so CSS formatting can easily be applied such as text size, bold, font, etc. Those text modifiers don't apply to images.

I checked and enclosing an image within a H1 tag is actually valid HTML as per the W3C standards.

I doubt this idea has ever been tested to see if the alt tag was given any increased importance because it was contained in a H1 tag. I would not believe it would as the entire point is bold or enlarged text increases visibility, whereas ALT text is not visible to most readers.

This is an instance where you are making a change that does not benefit users in an effort to manipulate search rankings. I wouldn't suggest it as helpful.

The closest thing I could find is the below Matt Cutts video. At 40 seconds in Matt specifically states that when using a URL shortener like Bit.ly the URL anchor text and PR will flow through the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMkltd6dZzU

Even if anchor text did not flow through URL links I would still focus on having user friendly URLs. User CTR is higher on a page with a friendly title versus a page with a bunch of numbers that are otherwise meaningless.

Also, we have limited control over how users link to us. We prefer they use good anchor text but for those who simply copy and paste your URL there isn't much that can be done so it's kind of a moot point.

I would be happy to supply supporting evidence on any point.

I am a bit unclear on what you are requesting. You want to see documentation that the use of anchor text offers a SEO value?

There are a few reasons for not using technology extensions with urls (i.e. html, htm, php, etc)

• any time you use a redirect there is work involved for you, the server has to check incoming URLs against the list of 301s, etc. They are a normal part of online life, but their use should be minimized. There is a high likelihood you may decide to upgrade your site which would change your .html pages to .php pages. Your URL would be identical except the extension, which would require a 301 for your whole site.

• any time a 301 is used there is a loss of link authority

• the extension is not helpful to users and makes your URLs appear more complex and possibly confusing to users

• a site that shows their extensions is making things easier for anyone who wishes to attack your site. Sure it's a small item, but good security is about taking all the steps you can to make things more difficult for attackers.

With respect to the URL, Google fully understands and adjusts for the slash and dashes in URLs.

how you know it works?

It's fundamental to the concept of anchor text. Take a look at the below two links:

a great site

http://www.seomoz.org/

Both of the above links lead to the same place, the SEOmoz home page. What varies is the anchor text. Google is a multi-billion dollar company. They understand to remove the http:// prefix along with the .org/ suffix.

There are many discussions and resources on this topic. One relevant video from Matt Cutts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRzMhlFZz9I

A couple thoughts to add...

A primary reason keywords in your URL are so important is primarily due to their anchor text value. Yes Google will offer a boost but what amplifies this factor is the fact that most links to your site will include the keyword. People can be lazy and lack knowledge, so they link to your site simply by copying and pasting the URL rather then using anchor text. When that happens the URL is the anchor text. So if your domain is shoes.com then every URL link to your site includes "shoes" in it.

Having keywords deeper in your URL is very helpful for several reasons, but they will never match the power of having them in your root URL.

Also, if you are going to restructure your site I strongly recommend you use technology-free URLs. Remove the .html from the end of your URLs.

Nice information John. I hadn't thought of adding a temporary page with a noindex tag but that sounds like a way to go for faster results.

I know Google has automatically removed 404 pages in the past. I noticed the issue Michelle is sharing and the information you shared offers great details on the process.

I have experienced this same issue with Google.

I just began a test by making a change on my site to one of the URLs. I am bookmarking this Q&A and will try to remember to update it if I see a change. It can take Google some time to check any individual link so it could take weeks.

In case you are curious, I have added a 410 status code for one of the pages involved. 410 means the resource is gone, while 404 is simply not found. Perhaps the 410 header code will send the right message to Google.