[b][u]Are invisible links to a site meter ok?[/b][/u]

[cwizard]

I'm using an invisible (same color as my background) link to a site meter (counting traffic) at the end of EVERY PAGE. I noticed in the faq's that invisible text and links were verboten. Is this true of a site meter link too? I just dropped from a serp of 7th to off the charts (at least > 400). I wonder if this has anything to do with it.

[kaled]

Google does not like invisible links/text. Don't use it on pages that you want indexed.

Be aware that new pages are often favored by Google for a while. Such pages may periodically rise and fall in the SERPS. Stability (if there is such a thing in Google) is not normally achieved until a page has a PR > 0.

Kaled.

[HarryM]

If the link is a gif or jpeg, etc., then I don't see how Google would have any way of knowing what colour it is or if it is transparent. The paid-for version of Sitemeter which I use has an invisble link, and as far as I know no one has reported any ill effects.

[Chelsea]

It's not hidden deliberately or for any personal gain - & as such it can't be regarded as spam. I really don't think it's a problem. But why not simply make it small but visible if you're worried?

[annej]

See if you can set your page count meter link up to show on a separate private page and not on the page it's counting. Many have an option to do that.

Also if you have any stats for your site they might give the information you need without the need for a page counter.

The problem is that Google can't tell why you are using invisible text so it's best to not go there.

[kaled]

If anyone needs a counter that can display values on a different page sticky me. I wrote one some time ago for page-hits or downloads.

Kaled.