SEO Tycoon

**thisismyurl** · 06-10-2010, 08:05 AM

Is there any SEO value in links contained within comment tags?



If not, is there any recommended way to include a non visible link without Google assuming it's meant to be black hat? I'm asking because I publish a piece of software that's installed on thousands of websites and include a credit line, but don't want it visible to surfers (only to those reading the code). On the other hand, if there is SEO value in doing it another way, I would love to get it.

**chrishirst** · 06-10-2010, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Is there any SEO value in links contained within comment tags?

Not since around 1997.

BTW

Quote:

don't want it visible to surfers (only to those reading the code)

That's what meta elements are for!

Quote:

and include a credit line, but don't want it visible to surfers

Why not? Don't you believe in advertising??

**Chris247** · 06-10-2010, 11:22 AM

I'd say the only value is for adding padding to your keyword rich links.

for the invisible link, yes, some companies do it using widgets and hiding a link behind it, just use text-indent css option in inline styles.

**thisismyurl** · 06-12-2010, 10:33 AM

thanks chris (and chris), in most cases I strongly support advertising but in these cases, the plugins are designed to build authority, not marketing.

**chrishirst** · 06-12-2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

authority, not marketing

They are pretty much the same thing when all is said and done.

You cannot build a presence that is perceived as authoritative with getting the name widely known.

You don't think that Wordpress became de rigeur "blogging tool" by NOT having their name linked in every blog using their software.

People, companies and products become "famous" by advertising their presence and making others know how good they are.

Having a name (linked) on your product is a way of saying "Look, this person uses this product)

Have you never wondered why the manufacturers name is upside down on a laptop lid?
Why do sports wear makers put their logo highly visible?

IF you want your product to be successful then you can't be embaressed or shy about publicising it!
Many, many people will fall over themselves to say how bad it is, but very few will say how good it is, YOU have to do that.

**thisismyurl** · 06-14-2010, 10:33 AM

Chris, I think you're right although I also struggle to balance the process of releasing plugins (I have dozens) with marketing. It's fair to say that people *should* link to me when they find use in them but, that also clutters many websites with excessive links and causes the plugins to not be used.

What I would love is if there was a way to create links, without them cluttering pages and without Google viewing them as hidden or sneaky.