hidden keywords not related to site subject

[tyrojds]

i came across a puzzling (to me) site ranking #1 for a desirable commercial keyword phrase. the site has extensive lists of topic-specific keywords hidden on every page, however, the only visible topic of the site is utterly unrelated (not the actual words but something like "tires" vs "nursing homes").

the site does not redirect or link to anything related to the hidden text. what's up with that?

[jimbeetle]

Just one of the oldest spammy techniques to drive!untargeted! traffic to the site. It used to be used a lot when banner ads actually paid something and people just wanted hits.

Surprised they haven't been caught yet, must have font color set by css. If they're one of your competitors you should report them.

Jim

[tyrojds]

thanks JB,

the explanation makes sense. "untargeted" is the operative word! i can't really figure if they're a competitor or not. i'm competing with his hidden words but not with what he seems to be actually selling.

[jimbeetle]

If you're competing with his hidden words that's even more justification on your part to report him to the SEs.

Hidden text is one of the first things mentioned by all SEs to define a spammy page. Most should boot the site very quickly.

Jim

[Liane]

Report hidden text or links here ...[google.com ]

They are misleading the consumer. Google hates that!

[tyrojds]

done. thanks for the info