Unlisted (hidden) pages

[muzzmoz]

I just had a client say they were advised by a friend to use 'a bunch of unlisted (hidden) pages'.

Isn't this seriously black hat?

[Alick300]

Hi,

First I don't understand what is the purpose for hidden pages? hidden from users or search engines or from both?

In either of the above case what will client achieve?

Thanks

[Tenlo]

There is nothing wrong with unlisted pages, it is even recommended for any content behind login screens or procedurally generated pages like carts.  If something it not listed, Google will not see it so it will have add no value to your site from a search perspective.

[muzzmoz]

The client was given this advice to use a 'hidden' page for 'other search terms'.

So sounds like they were thinking in terms of a gateway page.

[donsilvernail]

If you are using hidden pages to manipulate google, yes this is very black hat. You should only no index pages that you do not want to come up in search results. Examples would be a thank you page after filling out a contact form, a login page, and shopping carts.