Would a sitewide link to a 1mb exe download harm rankings?

[dancape]

We're in a games market and we have a link on every page to our download. The link is an aspx but there is no downloadpage as such - clicking on the link triggers an executable download that is just less than one meg.

We've been looking at the top results in our very competitive market and the top 8 don't seem to have a download.

Coincidence or a real factor?

[donford]

Interesting question, I have never heard downloads having a negative impact on SERP's but I can clearly see why they "could".

I don't know if this is a factor or not, this may be tough to answer accurately. I do not see "downloadable .exe files" on any tried and true ranking factors list (like searchmetrics.com) but that really could only mean somebody hasn't done a comprehensive A & B test.

With your concern about it "possibly" having an effect, have you considered capitalizing on the fact you do offer a download? For example create a downloads page, adding appropriate keywords, call to action content (ie buy pro version ), ad-blocks (if appropriate), download review section (to garner trust), and notable mirrors with same download content if applicable.

This would do 2 things, first add value to your site, and completely remove the fear of the download having any negative impact on the page in question.

My thoughts good luck

[max.favilli]

Also the fact the url of the exe is an .aspx page could be seen as deceitful. I wouldn't do it like that. Since you use dot.net, use a httphandler and match url with file extension. And I would not serve an .exe, zip it and serve a .zip file.

And I strongly support donford advice about a download page for all the good reasons he is referring to.

[dancape]

Some useful ideas there - thanks!