Hiding body copy with a 'read more' drop down option

[Dan-Lawrence]

Hi

For your info and others on this thread I have just seen this on SERT: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-index-click-to-expand-19449.html

And in the comments seen this hangout with John Mueller referenced where he says they discount non-displayed text (aprox 11 mins in): https://plus.google.com/events/cjcubhctfdmckph433d00cro9as

Having said that the client I have been looking into this for non-displayed text is indexed but then last cache date is 21st October which some people say in the thread will change after next crawl/cache.

Just wandering your (or anyone elses thoughts on this are) ?

All Best

Dan

[RafalJ]

This is pretty disturbing news actually and it doesn't make any sense to me. If Google wants to promote pages with more and better quality content above the fold but also clean pages that users like - the read more buttons were the only functionality to marry both concepts.

At the moment all my pages are still fully indexed but if I see this change come into life I will have to re-think the content and layout of many pages...

[Dan-Lawrence]

agreed very worrying indeed !

let me know any findings after next crawl here & ill do the same

[MickEdwards]

I've just had fresh content crawled and indexed that is in this scenario.  Basically we are saying to the visitor "if you really want to know some more boring technical information then expand this, but we don't want to spoil your experience by vomiting all the data at you at once".  Crazy if that is changed.

[Dan-Lawrence]

Hey Mick, makes good sense to do it that way so yes crazy if that has changed!!

My client scenario different in that three quarters of entire page of body copy (all well written & good quality) client wanted hidden behind a 'read more' button.  Whilst im sure this will always be seen/crawled & indexed (although poss not given some of the recent comments) i think given Muellers hangout response theres a very good chance the hidden text will be seriously devalued.

Do you think advisable for me to recommend client re-show all body copy, im thinking so ?

All Best

Dan

[Dan-Lawrence]

he he

https://twitter.com/sugarrae/status/535823812143497216/photo/1