Optimization Tips for PDFs

Optimization Tips for PDF:

Text Identification

In order to identify the text in an image in Acrobat, you would need to run OCR(character recognition) after opening your image-based PDF. Then go to the document menu, where it will scan the document and translate the image-text into text. You can then even edit the text according to your search engine optimization requirements.

Dividing the larger files

Dividing a large PDF file, into many smaller files would make it easier for the search engines to easily find your web page. By specifying your files, you can reduce the PDF download time, while you have the choice of opting for broader range of search keywords.

Optimize your PDF copy

After you have indexed the text PDF for search engines, you should also optimize the text with SEO techniques. Use specific keywords for the PDF and use them in the PDF text headlines, subheads and copy.

Discard duplicate content

You should be aware that the search engines simply hate duplicate content. So why bring the wrath of the search engines on you. Therefore, you should either alter one of same content that you have on the site, or delete it all together. Also, another option would be using proper meta tags. As it can prevent the search engines from indexing one of the pages.

Adding metadata

Another PDF technique would be adding text related Metadata. It would describe your file to the search engines and the search engines would use these information to index your page.

Adding links

In Acrobat PDFs you can add links, so that the customers can have a look at the product and can even add it to their shopping cart if they are interested.

Add your company footer

A company footer would include your companys name, address, contact information and website link. You can add these information to every PDF to facilitate searches for your business.

Optimizing links to the PDF

In order to convince, the search engines that your content is relevant, your website should have a display text containing the text specific keywords.

SearchEngineWatch Says more about it --


# Make sure your PDFs are text-based. Creating a PDF from a Microsoft Word document should be ok, but when you get into other programs like InDesign or Quark, then you run into text-based issues. And, as always, optimize the copy to reflect the targeted keywords.

# Pay attention to Accessibility. The accessibility tools can be found under the advanced options. With them, you can order the priority of text on a page and create alt tags for images.

# Customize your PDF properties. The title in the properties becomes the title tag, not the title of the file, so be sure to write an optimized title for your PDF properties. This is what searchers will see in the results of their favorite search engine.

# Don't forget about usability. Optimization of a PDF is only good if web users can read it. Be aware that not everyone has the latest version of Adobe Reader. Save your PDF at a version lower than the most recent update. Also, make sure file sizes are as compressed as possible and use properties to see if you have a "fast web view." If not, go to your General Settings panel under preferences to make it web-friendly.

# Specify the reading order. This helps search engines know which part of the text is most important on your page. Also, if your first paragraph wouldn't make a great description tag, consider creating a footer and making it number 1 in the reading order.