??All About 404 and Redirect Process in Google Search Console!

Are you confused about 404 errors and redirects in Google Search Console while moving or organizing your website? ?? Don’t worry! Google’s Search Advocate John Mueller shared important information on how to manage this process. Let’s clear up the myths about 404 errors and redirect issues and take a step-by-step look at how Google handles these changes!

??What Are 404 Errors in Google Search Console?

404 errors are cases where Google recognizes that a page no longer exists. But is every 404 bad? No! ?? 404s are completely normal if the page really shouldn’t exist anymore.

As we reported in our other newsletter, Mueller states that the focus should be on the quality of content rather than its form. Same for 404 pages. In other words, the 404 appearance of a page that no longer receives traffic is actually a practice that increases quality.

Mueller clarifies this with these words:

“If they are supposed to be 404s, then there’s nothing to do. 404s for pages that don’t exist are fine. It’s technically correct to have them return 404. These being flagged don’t mean you’re doing something wrong, if you’re doing the 404s on purpose.”

So if a page no longer exists, it is correct to return 404.

But what if there are pages that accidentally 404’d? Then you should redirect that page to the correct URL.

?How Long Does Google Process Changes?

Google doesn’t process changes instantly. For small sites, updates are detected within a few days; for large sites, it can take longer. If redirects have just been made, Google will notice it within a few days. If a large site has moved or has had 404 errors for a long time, it may take longer.

?? What Does “Mark as Fixed” Do?

Search Console’s “Mark as Fixed” option does not speed up Google’s re-crawling process ?? Yes, you heard right! Mueller says that this feature only exists so that site owners can track errors and monitor their progress. So be patient and let the process run its natural course. ??♂?

Google reworks your pages in its own algorithmic scheme. So, hitting the “Mark as Fixed” button does not make the changes noticeable faster.

??How Should Redirects and Site Updates Work?

Managing 404 errors and redirects correctly is crucial for the health of your website. But remember that Google processes changes at its own pace. Of course, you need to take the right steps in this process. When you make changes to your website, you should follow these steps so that Google can quickly detect it:

?? You should move the old pages that get 404 errors to the relevant new pages with a 301 redirect.

?? It makes more sense to redirect pages without relevant content to relevant pages, not to the home page.

?? Organize internal links to old pages according to new URLs.

?? Check regularly for empty or broken links.

?? Update your sitemap to help Google understand the new structure faster.

?? Resubmit your sitemap.xml file to Google Search Console.

?? Pay attention to technical details throughout the process and be patient. Google Search Console is there to show that your site is working properly and you can make the most of this tool!

Do you want to manage your website professionally and strengthen your SEO processes? Then partner with Markethinkers and make your site Google-friendly! ????