Tip or tricks when opening up the entire network to public viewing

[Traddie]

I have posted this discussion before in a different wording but have expanded on it in the hope that I can get a few answers/input.

I am looking at changing my network from having only the main page visible, to everything being visible. A couple of questions.

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1. Google Searching and Indexing when pages are marked for members only

Once I open up the network to have everything visible I considered leaving certain pages as "members only", and also considered leaving the entire Members Tab as "members only". The public will still be able to see the files of members that are in the latest activity feed however. My question is will Google still search and index the rest of the site if certain pages or tabs are Members only. The reason I suggest this is to provide some incentive for people to join. If they can see everything they may be curious.

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2. Allowing the public to see everything but setting my admin files to Members Only

I have considered turning the privacy setting to "Everything" yet setting my profile and the profile of another administrator to "members only" This would be a way of having the site open yet encouraging people to join in order to see these two profiles, that provide most of the content.

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3. How long does it take Google to index

 

I have a lot of good content that once indexed by Google should push my site up to page one of Google searches for my key words. How long does it tak for Google to index. Do they do it every day, week ??

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4. Members profiles set to members only

Many members may set their privacy to members only. Does this effect Google in indexing or do they just ignore those files

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Some response would be appreciated

[Nor Cal Social Media]

Hi Traddie!

I'll offer you some input, but someone else will have to provide you the info you want. You also might do some digging. I think I've picked up hints of a lot of conversation on these topics on the Ning Creators forums/ groups.

1) Marking some pages as members only as an incentive to join.

I personally do not agree with this approach. I believe the substance of a site, the value projected in particpation on a network, and tranparency in place of conditional content are superior approaches.

2) Marking Creator and Admin profiles to private as an incentive to join.

Again, I think a key in getting people to join is delivering what they expect instead of requirements to join in order to proceed. I feel a lot of people consider that approach as an insult to their intelligence and a manipulative tactic. Not everyone obviously...many creators report great success with dangling the carrot. However, I'm not convinced. I think it may depend more on other factors, perhaps a quantitive-based network and corresponding audience vs. qualititative. Also, if you hide your best content pages and contributors, you're likely missing out on that SEO and that many more conversions from people that are impressed and want to network with you.

So you'll have to hear it from the experts I guess. I think privacy is an option best reserved for those members who value it. Privacy ccontrol is more of a standard issue on the likes of Facebook and Linkedin, etc. However, I think the open community aspect of Ning networks are a positive distinguisher.

Best,

Anthony