Left Naviagation And Google

Just wanted to see if there was a consensus...

Do you prefer to have your navigation to left or right?

If left, do you use the "table trick" or other method to make sure content shows up first?

Do you think it matters to Google if content or navigation links are first?

Just wanted to collect some other peoples thoughts before I go and change 20,000 articles.

Thanks.

 

I have it left with tables.

But... Why would it matter for Google? I don't see the connection.

I guess you're refering to if it's right then it will be down the file maybe too low for the spider.

From a useability point of view I think 98% of users expect it left so I'd stick with that.

 

None.. I prefer them horizontal under the header

As for Google prefference... IT doesn't matter where you have them

 

CSS can help position certian elements within certian parts of your HTML, so for instance, copy first, then navigation, then a footer, then a header (For instance)

 

Either the Delorie Method http://www.delorie.com/web/ses-hint.html or using <div> with css can be used to put content first.

I have seen this make a difference for the better in serps.

 

I use both the "table trick" and CSS "absolute positioning." [Example]

 

Prefer left navigation ... especially if you plan to add new content and pages, the navigation can expand and grow as required.

CSS navigation (look&feel) within a table (structure)