How to Fix Soft 404 Errors in Google Search Console?

Introduction

For website owners and webmasters, maintaining a healthy online presence is crucial for better visibility in search engine results. Google Search Console is an invaluable tool that helps monitor and improve a website's performance in Google search results. However, encountering soft 404 errors can hinder your website's search ranking potential. In this blog post, we will explore what soft 404 errors are, why they occur, and most importantly, how to fix them to ensure your website maintains its SEO prowess.

Understanding Soft 404 Errors

A "soft 404 error" is a term used to describe a page that returns a 200 status code (success) to the search engine but doesn't actually have any valuable content. Instead, it displays a page that typically says "Page Not Found" or "Error 404," thus misleading search engines and users alike. Soft 404 errors can occur for various reasons, such as when a page is deleted or moved without proper redirects.

Why Are Soft 404 Errors Problematic?

Soft 404 errors pose significant issues for your website's SEO and user experience. When search engines encounter soft 404 errors, they may interpret the affected pages as valid content and index them as such. This can lead to a lower search ranking or even removal of those pages from search results altogether. Additionally, users who come across soft 404 pages may get frustrated, impacting their trust in your website and potentially causing them to leave.

Identifying Soft 404 Errors in Google Search Console

Before fixing soft 404 errors, it's essential to identify them within Google Search Console. Here's how you can do it:

Log in to Google Search Console: Access your Google Search Console account and select the relevant property (website) you want to work on.

Navigate to the "Coverage" Report: In the left-hand sidebar, click on "Coverage" under the "Index" section. Here, you'll find information about your website's indexed pages and any potential errors.

Look for Soft 404 Errors: Within the "Coverage" report, identify the URLs labeled as "Submitted URL seems to be a soft 404." This list will display the pages Google suspects to have soft 404 errors.

Fixing Soft 404 Errors

Once you've identified the soft 404 errors, it's time to take action and fix them. Here are some effective methods to resolve these issues:

Redirect to Relevant Content: If the page has been moved or deleted, set up 301 redirects to direct users and search engines to the appropriate, relevant page. This ensures a seamless user experience and preserves your SEO rankings.

Update Links: Check internal and external links pointing to the soft 404 pages. If possible, update those links to lead to existing, relevant pages on your website.

Custom 404 Page: Create a custom 404 error page that not only informs users about the missing content but also provides helpful navigation options. This will keep users engaged and on your website, reducing bounce rates.

Use 404 Status Code: If a page is genuinely not found and you don't have relevant content to redirect to, return a proper 404 status code. This informs search engines that the page doesn't exist, and they will handle it accordingly.

Review Sitemap: Check your website's sitemap and ensure that it accurately reflects the current structure of your site. Submit the updated sitemap to Google Search Console.

Fetch as Google: Use the "Fetch as Google" tool in Search Console to test how Google renders a specific URL. This can help you identify any issues with the page that may trigger a soft 404 error.

FAQs:

How to Fix Soft 404 Errors in Google Search Console

1. What are soft 404 errors in Google Search Console?

Soft 404 errors occur when a web page returns a 200 status code (success) to search engines, but the page does not contain any valuable content and typically displays an error message like "Page Not Found" or "Error 404." These errors mislead search engines and users, potentially affecting your website's search rankings and user experience.

2. How do soft 404 errors impact my website's SEO?

Soft 404 errors can have a negative impact on your website's SEO. Search engines may mistakenly interpret these pages as valid content and index them accordingly. As a result, your search rankings may suffer, or the affected pages may even be removed from search results. It's crucial to address soft 404 errors promptly to maintain a healthy online presence.

3. How can I identify soft 404 errors in Google Search Console?

To identify soft 404 errors in Google Search Console, follow these steps:

Log in to your Google Search Console account.

Select the relevant property (website) you want to work on.

Navigate to the "Coverage" report under the "Index" section.

Look for URLs labeled as "Submitted URL seems to be a soft 404." These are the pages Google suspects to have soft 404 errors.

4. What are the common causes of soft 404 errors?

Soft 404 errors can occur due to various reasons, including:

Pages that were deleted or moved without proper redirects.

Server misconfigurations or glitches.

Incorrectly implemented custom error pages.

Broken internal or external links leading to non-existent pages.

5. How can I fix soft 404 errors in Google Search Console?

To fix soft 404 errors, consider these approaches:

Set up 301 redirects: If a page was moved or deleted, redirect users and search engines to the appropriate, relevant page using 301 redirects.

Update links: Check internal and external links pointing to the soft 404 pages. If possible, update those links to lead to existing, relevant pages on your website.

Create a custom 404 page: Design a custom 404 error page that provides helpful navigation options and informs users about the missing content.

Return proper 404 status code: If a page is genuinely not found and there's no relevant content to redirect to, return a proper 404 status code to inform search engines accordingly.

Review sitemap: Ensure that your website's sitemap accurately reflects the current structure of your site and submit the updated sitemap to Google Search Console.

Use "Fetch as Google" tool: Test how Google renders a specific URL using the "Fetch as Google" tool in Search Console to identify any issues triggering a soft 404 error.

6. How often should I check for soft 404 errors in Google Search Console?

Regularly monitoring your website for soft 404 errors is essential. Set up a routine to check your Google Search Console for potential soft 404 errors at least once a month or after making significant changes to your website's structure.

7. Can soft 404 errors be entirely eliminated?

While it's challenging to completely eliminate soft 404 errors, diligent efforts can significantly reduce their occurrence. Regularly review your website, keep your sitemap up to date, and promptly address any reported soft 404 errors in Google Search Console to minimize their impact on your website's SEO and user experience.

Conclusion

Soft 404 errors can be detrimental to your website's SEO and user experience. By taking the time to identify and fix these errors, you can ensure that your website remains search-engine-friendly and provides a positive experience for your visitors. Regularly monitor Google Search Console for any potential soft 404 errors and apply the suggested fixes promptly. Keeping your website error-free will go a long way in maintaining and improving your search rankings and overall online presence.