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

Google Search Volatility

More Details

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: September 7, 2026

Sep 7, 2026 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Can Lose Faith In Sites Based On Low Value Programmatic SEO

Sep 7, 2026 - 8:37 am
Google Ads

New Google Ads Automated Promotions

Sep 7, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Search Booking Partner Prices Are Customized

Sep 7, 2026 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Merchant Center Shows AI Prompts For Top Performance Insights

Sep 7, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google Ads

Google Shopping Ads Have A Reverse Crocodile Effect With AI Overviews

Sep 7, 2026 - 7:21 am
Previous Story: Going to WMW PubCon? Ask Matt Cutts Forum Thread Live