It’s not the best idea or good for your SEO to confuse users and crawlers alike. Let’s find out why.

A 404 error.

Highlights:

 

  • Martin Splitt emphasizes that 404 errors serve a purpose and should not be overcompensated by repetitive homepage redirections.
  • Homepage redirections can create looping issues for search engine crawlers, wasting crawl budget and hurting indexing.

Alright, let’s talk about something that might seem like a quick fix, but can actually cause a headache for your website: redirecting all those pesky 404 errors to your homepage.

You know, when someone clicks a link and gets that “page not found” message? Well, Google’s Martin Splitt recently shared his –very valuable—two cents on this, and his message was crystal clear: don’t do it.

Understanding 404 Errors and Their Purpose

So, why is this such a big deal? Splitt, in a recent “SEO Office Hours Shorts” video, explained that blanket homepage redirection      can seriously mess with your SEO and 404 errors. Think about it: a 404 error is essentially your website telling visitors and Google, “Hey, this page doesn’t exist anymore.” It’s a signal, a clear one. But when you redirect everything to your homepage, you’re essentially confusing everyone.

Splitt put it bluntly: “Yes, and also it annoys me as a user.” And he’s right! Imagine trying to find a specific product or piece of information, only to be constantly sent back to the homepage. Frustrating, right? That’s exactly how search engine crawlers feel too.

Many website owners and marketers feel the need to redirect as an almost over-compensation for the missing content, but the effect is quite the opposite. It leads to greater annoyance and frustration all around.

Impact on Search Engine Crawlers

Speaking of crawlers, this is where the technical SEO mistakes come in. When a crawler hits a genuine 404, it understands that the page is gone and moves on. But if you’re redirecting everything, it gets stuck in a loop. Splitt explained that they end up “being redirected, and then it all starts over again.” This wastes crawl budget, which can impact how efficiently Google indexes your site. That’s a key point of Google 404 redirect guidelines and helps mitigate costs.

Now, you might be wondering, “Okay, so what should I do with those 404 errors?” Splitt’s advice is straightforward: if the content has moved to a new URL, use a 301 redirect to that specific page. If the content is gone for good, let the 404 error stand. Don’t, under any circumstances, redirect to the homepage or try to guess the “closest” match. This aligns perfectly with Google search guidelines and a little bit with common sense too. You wouldn’t want to be redirected to the same section of a clothing store because they don’t have the item you want in stock anymore, either.

Maintaining Accurate HTTP Status Codes and Fixing the Problem

This isn’t just a matter of user experience; it’s also about maintaining accurate HTTP status codes too. Fixing 404 errors for SEO means giving search engines the right signals to process your website. Splitt’s SEO insights strongly emphasize the importance of clarity and accuracy because this also affects your website’s performance and rankings.

Consistently misdirecting crawlers can lead to inefficient indexing, potentially impacting your site’s visibility. That’s why understanding website errors and rankings is crucial. By adhering to best practices for 404 pages, you’re not only improving user experience but also optimizing your site for search engines.

Handling broken links correctly is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a healthy website. Instead of resorting to a quick fix like homepage redirection, take the time to implement proper redirects or let 404 errors serve their purpose.

A Deeper Dive Into Google’s Guidelines—Insider Sources and More

Splitt’s guidance, part of the evolving Google 404 redirect guidelines, represents a shift in how Google is delivering SEO information. The “SEO Office Hours Shorts” format provides concise, actionable advice that website owners can easily digest. This new format, alongside his clear explanations, helps to prevent common technical SEO mistakes.

Fortunately for you, the SEO experts at Search Berg can help your website stay up-to-date with Google’s latest guidelines and recommendations. Schedule a consultation or book a website audit with us to kickstart your SEO upgrade.