hidden data with display buttons

google bans sites with hidden content and links.

[markdidj]

Google bans websites that have content hidden from the clients. What if that content is made to appear within a javascript function. I have seen a site that has all its info hidden with z-indexes and visibilities, but it is shown using javascript events.

Is this a problem for search engines?
The site is visually entertaining using this method, and only info that is looked for is seen. It has been indexed but if it was reported, would it be banned?

how do search engines see visibility and z-indexes, and if someone was to report it, is it given a manual check by google workers?

[msr986]

Generally, if the text is hidden to spam the bots, it is bad, and may get you banned. Many sites use visibility:hidden on their div's for menu navigation and such, so I doubt this practice will be banned. Having a site that has all of it's content hidden until a JavaScript event doesn't make sense; people with their JavaScript turned off would see no content!

For more information on this subject, do a WebmasterWorld 'site search' on 'hidden text'.

Welcome to WebmasterWorld!

[markdidj]

Thanks msr986. Actually It's my site. I wanted a still page (no scroll), with changing data. I used to use innertext or innerhtml to provide the info for each picture or button, but was told search engines won't read it, so I used divisions in the same place on the screen but at different zIndexes or visibility:hidden. I also have links brought in the page in a hidden division. There is a button to take you to a HTML page for those who have js disabled, and the links have a button to make them visible.

Can I leave my site address for someone to have a look at?

Google has found all the info and indexed my site, but I have been told by another forum I may be banned for putting it in the hidden layers. There will be no other way of making my site in the same fashion. So I am being told although I can write a site like I have, I'm not allowed to as it won't be indexed!

Do Google ban sites manually or is the process computerised?
Will they look at the site if someone reports it, or just take it off? I don't like the idea of my site being banned for life! Although I have only been programming for a year, I think the site is entertaining the way it is. If I change it so all the info is there on every page, and not dynamic, it will be as boring as the rest of them!

[msr986]

> Can I leave my site address for someone to have a look at?

No, it's against the WebmasterWorld terms of service.

> Do Google ban sites manually or is the process computerised?

Both

> Will they look at the site if someone reports it, or just take it off?

Most people believe that reported sites are hand reviewed.

If you think that your site will stand up to a manual review, then it is probably fine, although no one can say for sure.

You will be surprised how many threads here at WebmasterWorld discuss issues similar to yours. Use the site search function. There is a lot to learn here, but sometimes you have to dig!

Also, please see the welcome post:
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Enjoy!