1. Thumbs.db
Thumbs.db is a file automatically generated by Windows to cache thumbnails of images in a folder. While it serves the purpose of providing quick image previews when browsing files locally, it is irrelevant for search engines. Including Thumbs.db in your website’s files can clutter search engine crawls unnecessarily. Therefore, it is advisable to exclude Thumbs.db from your website when uploading files.
2. .DS_Store
.DS_Store is a file created by macOS to store custom attributes of a folder, such as icon position and view settings. Like Thumbs.db, this file is irrelevant for search engines and can be safely excluded from your website’s files.
3. Unnecessary Backup Files
Backup files, such as those with the extensions .bak, .old, or ~, are often created when editing files on your website. These files provide a safety net but do not contribute to your website’s SEO. Including unnecessary backup files in your website can increase its file size, potentially impacting loading speed. Therefore, it is recommended to exclude such backup files from your website.
4. Admin and Configuration Files
Files related to website administration or configurations, such as config.php, admin.php, or setup.php, typically include sensitive information and are not intended for public access. Allowing search engines to crawl and index these files can pose security risks. It is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and exclude admin and configuration files from search engine crawls.
Understanding which files to exclude from your website can enhance your SEO efforts and improve your website’s performance. By removing irrelevant and potentially harmful files like Thumbs.db, .DS_Store, unnecessary backup files, and admin/configuration files, you streamline search engine crawls, eliminate security risks, and optimize your website’s loading speed. Take the time to review your website’s files and ensure you only include those necessary for your SEO strategy. Happy optimizing!