Color of links

[manuelhp42]

In my site, we are using CSS to make the link text on the Home Page be displayed exactly as the non-link text. Therefore, except when you mouse over it, you can't tell which are the links and which aren't (as a reader).

This was done 3 weeks ago, as part of a redesign of the Home Page. Initially, we saw most the site do extremely well (#1-#5 rankings on Google) for most of the keywords we're targeting. However, 2-3 days ago, most of our good rankings were lost. I am wondering if the above mentioned situation could be causing this? Does Google penalize the use of the same style (no underline, same color) for link text as for normal body text?

If not, would relatively radical shifts in position (#5 on page 1 to, say, 2nd or 3rd results page) be part of the organic ranking process?

THX,

[DerekH]

In my site, we are using CSS to make the link text on the Home Page be displayed exactly as the non-link text

Well, I can't imagine Google would be fussed by this.

But I can't imagine why you think this is a smart move for your visitors.

Do explain why you want to make your site deviate from accepted standards of navigability and accessibility!

Then, we might be able to understand what your site is trying to cheat at!

DerekH