Hey SEO friends!
It seems that Google is clarifying its validation processes for 404 redirects in the Search Console (GSC). I thought I'd share this as I know some can find GSC confusing at times.
Google was previously only reviewing redirects submitted through the URL inspection tool; now they're expanding this to also include URLs found through crawling or sitemaps, giving more thorough assurance that 404 errors are redirecting properly.
This makes perfect sense, and should help catch any sneaky 404s that may slip through the cracks.
Google doesn't honor redirects for removed URLs. This makes sense; once an intentional page deletion has taken place, no redirect should take place; they even offer an example such as news sites where stories that become obsolete should 404 without redirection elsewhere.
What do you guys think? Have you noticed any weirdness with 404 validation in GSC? I know I have experienced my fair share of "Why is this showing up as a 404?! moments. Let's share stories and tips in the comments!
Have any of you explored the URL removal tool recently, or are there any tips that have come your way for using it successfully? Sharing is caring!
One lesson I have learned through experience is the value of double-checking my redirects before submitting them to GSC, as this saves so much hassle later. Does anyone else have a pre-submission ritual they follow? Let me know!
Let's work together and conquer technical SEO! Let's build each other up in this endeavor and work towards an improved 404 page experience for all!
It seems that Google is clarifying its validation processes for 404 redirects in the Search Console (GSC). I thought I'd share this as I know some can find GSC confusing at times.
Google was previously only reviewing redirects submitted through the URL inspection tool; now they're expanding this to also include URLs found through crawling or sitemaps, giving more thorough assurance that 404 errors are redirecting properly.
This makes perfect sense, and should help catch any sneaky 404s that may slip through the cracks.
Google doesn't honor redirects for removed URLs. This makes sense; once an intentional page deletion has taken place, no redirect should take place; they even offer an example such as news sites where stories that become obsolete should 404 without redirection elsewhere.
What do you guys think? Have you noticed any weirdness with 404 validation in GSC? I know I have experienced my fair share of "Why is this showing up as a 404?! moments. Let's share stories and tips in the comments!
Have any of you explored the URL removal tool recently, or are there any tips that have come your way for using it successfully? Sharing is caring!
One lesson I have learned through experience is the value of double-checking my redirects before submitting them to GSC, as this saves so much hassle later. Does anyone else have a pre-submission ritual they follow? Let me know!
Let's work together and conquer technical SEO! Let's build each other up in this endeavor and work towards an improved 404 page experience for all!
