Adding an extra row above categories box

[DML73]

How can I add an extra table row right above the categories sidebox? Between the menu bar and the categories sidebox. I specifically mean a row not an extra side box.
I have been searching the forum extensively but all the posts only mention how to add a sidebox.

[schoolboy]

You don't add "rows" here... This is not HTML ...

You adjust spaces using the stylesheets and css declarations.

In your case, you are looking for the specfic DIV ID (or class) for the categories wrapper(s):

#categoriesHeading {margin-top:20px;} is probably what you are after... where 20px can be adjusted to any value you like.

Bear in mind that if a similar declaration exists for this DIV ID elsewhere in the stylesheet, your edit may not have any effect unless it appears AFTER such existing declarations.

[stevesh]

If you don't want to go hacking around in the code, you can install a Blank Sidebox, place your content in the header, then turn off the sidebox content in the stylesheet.

[DML73]

Thanks for the responses. The reason I want to insert a row above Categories in the html table is because it (according to some SEO experts) might help search engines index the page better/easier.

Search engines read from left to right and from up and down. This means that search engines will read the categories table first which might not be optimal. By inserting this row the search engines will go directly to the main content instead of the categories colum. Unfortunately more space or a blank sidebox will not do the trick, it has to be in the table layout.

I tried adding the row with a rowspan of 2 in the table in /includes/templates/my_template/common/tpl_main_page.php and it works fine on the index page but on other pages it messes up to layout.
Any of the experts here who knows how to do this?
I attached an image of what Im trying to do. Its the row where the arrow is pointing I want to add.
Any help is much appreciared.

[schoolboy]

Thanks for the responses. The reason I want to insert a row above Categories in the html table is because it (according to some SEO experts) might help search engines index the page better/easier.

This is rubbish - certainly in zencart's case.

Search engines read from left to right and from up and down. This means that search engines will read the categories table first which might not be optimal.

I have about 40 sites where the categories menu is in the RIGHT column. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest they get better SERPS because of it.

By inserting this row the search engines will go directly to the main content instead of the categories colum.

er... no it won't.

You are fussing over something that is nonsensical. If anything, the SE's appreciate structured, ordered links to follow, and the categories menu is just that... it is the principal conduit to the products.

SEO is not that complicated... GO HERE to see where you really need to be focusing.

[DML73]

Thanks for the feedback schoolboy, I certainly might be wrong about this strategy, however some so called SEO experts recommends this as a final attempt to optimize a site, but you are absolutely right that there is no evidence that it actually helps getting better SERPS. I guess we will never know everything what the search engines exactly likes.

[CoolCarPartsOnline]

Your SEO guy is right on some point but he doesn't know what he is talking about in another.

It is mentioned in more than one resource that the flow of the page is plus but it is not meant for search engine but rather the human. The picture you are referring to is true as human eyes go left to right then diagonal but that doesn't affect the Search Engine. Take WordPress for example you will notice that 90% off the templates have the navigation in the right column. Does this mean WP got it wrong!!!!.

As far as SEO you should always focus on product and category pages. Don't put all the effort in the home page. Would you rather have the SE send the customer to product page or Home page? I was a victim of this approach since my home page was stuffed with keywords. After 3 months of watching customer behaviors I realized that I am getting too much traffic for the home page with people searching for keywords not relevant to my website. So focus on product pages and categories less clicks and more conversion.

Always add content for customer and not SE. If you sell your page to the customer rest assure Google and other SE would move you up the SERP. Man Google is getting so smart, no place for games.

Finally read the article in the link above. Melanie has really done a good job in that post. If your looking for SEO "Expert" you should give her a shot

[schoolboy]

So focus on product pages and categories less clicks and more conversion.

Always add content for customer and not SE. If you sell your page to the customer rest assure Google and other SE would move you up the SERP. Man Google is getting so smart, no place for games.

Brilliant and accurate advice...