Google Webmaster Tools - Potential Issue

barryhynd · 28-01-10, 23:30

I've linked to an image here from my Google Webmaster tools. I'm a bit concerned about the entry at position 2 in the keywords section which seems to be a series of random letters. This is on Scottish Business Blog

I'm not sure how worried to be about this and if it is doing me major harm. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Kevin · 29-01-10, 09:22

Hi Barry I would suggest that you do try and remove it however this should not do your website any harm.

Here is an advanced search I did on Google and this is where it is getting the text from.Also here is a sample of your code where the offending text is appearing.
sbb.jpg

sbb2.jpg

This code is the block widget that you are using in the Keep in touch with SBB
section of your blog

stugster · 29-01-10, 10:17

Hey Barry,

That code is in the source of the site at the bottom ala:
<span style="display:none">PHVsPjxsaT48c3Ryb25nPndvb19hZ etc. etc.

If you run that stuff through a Base64 decoder (Base 64 Decoder) you'll see what it is.

Looks like the theme engine slappin invisible adverts in. Will fix it in a min

TFGtv.com · 01-02-10, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by stugster

Looks like the theme engine slappin invisible adverts in.

Thomath the thwank engine and Violet-Elizabeth Bott embroiled in thubwimminal advertising scandal????

How/why might that happen???

...the theme engine thining I mean not the conspiracy of characters from early 20th century children's books...

stugster · 01-02-10, 23:01

It's a good question actually.

The theme we use has an area where you can put in 4 x 4 advert boxes on the blog pages. We don't use it, so it was turned off. For some reason, the theme still had the HTML encoded in base64 on there. Not that a normal user would see it, but Google obviously got a whiff.

Should be all sorted now though. Myself and Barry had a good hacking spree with the theme last week!

TFGtv.com · 01-02-10, 23:16

I'm impressed Stu... I'd never have followed that train (no pun intended) of thought in a million years...

Of course the next burning question is why the heck do they think you'd automatically want to advertise Land Rovers in the first place...