Does Google Read Your CSS Files?

Nov 11, 2005 - 8:53 am 12 by

In the past, everyone knew that Google and the other engines, stayed away from your CSS files. However, after on October 19th, Matt Cutts posted a blog entry named SEO Mistakes: Unwise comments which showed an example of someone using CSS. Matt wrote;

I don’t recommend that people use CSS to hide text, and I don’t recommend that they document it, either.

Then Jagger update hit us, and many now believe that Google does peak at your CSS files. A DigitalPoint Forum thread asks Does google read external CSS files yet? Some reply "no" right off the bat, but I wouldn't be so quick to say no. Many respectable SEOs have been chattering about Google reading your CSS just for this. So just be careful, especially now.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
- YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: February 9, 2026

Feb 9, 2026 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google On If A Younger Web Site Can Beat An Older Website In Search

Feb 9, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google

Google AI Overviews Tests Contextual Overlay Link Cards

Feb 9, 2026 - 7:41 am
Google

Google Preferred Sources Deeplink Button Is Broken

Feb 9, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google Ads

Google Ads API Developer Token Access Applications Delayed

Feb 9, 2026 - 7:21 am
Search Engine Optimization

Reddit On Google & ChatGPT AI Responses Citations & Lack Of Links

Feb 9, 2026 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: Going to WMW PubCon? Ask Matt Cutts Forum Thread Live