Forum

[localserviceguide]

Google does not recognise text in graphics. I would like to use a graphic for each of my links down the side of my home page. Would it be a bad thing to do if I had hidden text for each graphic? Or would the alt text be cached?

Any ideas of how I can get around this?

THANKS

 

[adrian]

Google does not recognise text in graphics. I would like to use a graphic for each of my links down the side of my home page. Would it be a bad thing to do if I had hidden text for each graphic? Or would the alt text be cached?

Any ideas of how I can get around this?

THANKS

If you mean using hidden text on the page - then certainly not, unless you want your site banned. ALT text is fine to use as GoogleBot reads ALT text. No keyword spamming them, just be descriptive.

 

[sean06]

Why not just use text? Give your other pages a free link. Text can look fine if you do it properly.

Of course, if you want to make the site prettier, you can, but it won't be as helpful with the SE's.

 

[Rudolf]

You can use a trick though; apply the image to the background of the cell, and type text over it. The link should be attached to the text.

 

[sean06]

I'd be careful doing things like that Rudolf. If google finds out you're doing that, say goodbye to any rankings.

 

[localserviceguide]

I thought it sounded like a good idea. Sorry to be a pain but can I ask why you think its such a bad idea?

I knew having hidden text was wrong.

The text would not be hidden, just a nice graphic behind it? I know nothing, all of your help is most appreciated!

:D

 

[adrian]

I'd be careful doing things like that Rudolf. If google finds out you're doing that, say goodbye to any rankings.

That is fine to do what he says. It's just making the image a background for the cell of the table.

 

[sean06]

Hmm, so he's not talking about tricking google by hiding some text?

 

[adrian]

Hmm, so he's not talking about tricking google by hiding some text?

Not from what I am understanding...

Making an image a background for a cell and writing over it is perfectly fine... but hiding the text is not.

 

[sean06]

Yeh true. I find it easier just to use text :)

 

[Rudolf]

You can use a trick though; apply the image to the background of the cell, and type text over it. The link should be attached to the text.

Yes, by "trick" I did not mean "fool Google". Good to have some confirmation on this "trick".

 

[Amroch]

Using image as cell background is perfectly OK.

Another option is using CSS. Like the one below -

Code: Select all

#Layer1 {
   background-image: url(image.jpg);
   background-repeat: no-repeat;
}

You can easily now use text on the image. With CSS you can create rollover navigation too. Cool and more importantly it's SEO friendly.

Amroch