Redirect errors are common issues that website owners encounter when using Google Search Console (GSC). These errors occur when Googlebot, the crawler used by Google, attempts to follow a redirect but encounters problems that prevent it from reaching the intended destination. Understanding the causes of these errors and how to address them is crucial for maintaining a healthy website and ensuring optimal search engine visibility.
Causes of redirect errors
Redirect errors can arise from various factors. One common issue is incorrect redirect URLs, where the target URL of a redirect is either wrong or leads to a non-existent page. This results in Googlebot being unable to access the requested content. Imagine a situation where the original page, „www.example.com/old-page,” is supposed to redirect users to „www.example.com/new-page.” However, if the redirect is mistakenly configured to point to „www.example.com/non-existent-page,” Googlebot will encounter a problem. Since the target URL does not exist, Googlebot will be unable to access the requested content, leading to a redirect error in Google Search Console. This example highlights the importance of ensuring that all redirect URLs are accurate and lead to valid pages to avoid indexing issues and maintain good search engine performance.
Another problem is redirect loops, which occur when a redirect points back to itself or creates a closed cycle between multiple URLs. This situation can cause googlebot to get stuck and unable to complete its request. An example of a redirect loop can be illustrated with three pages: page A, page B, and page C. If page A is set to redirect to page B, and then page B redirects to page C, which in turn redirects back to page A, this creates an endless cycle. As a result, when a user or Googlebot attempts to access page A, they are redirected to page B, then to page C, and back to page A again. This situation leads to the browser displaying an error message such as „too many redirects,” preventing access to any of the pages involved in the loop. It highlights how poorly configured redirects can create significant accessibility issues for both users and search engines.
Long redirect chains can also contribute to these errors. While Googlebot can follow multiple redirects, having too many in sequence can lead to inefficiencies and potential failures in reaching the final destination. Long redirect chains can create inefficiencies and errors in web navigation. Here’s an example to illustrate this situation:
- Initial URL (Page A): A user clicks on a link to
https://example.com/old-page. - First Redirect (Page B): This page redirects to
https://example.com/intermediate-page. - Second Redirect (Page C): From there, it redirects again to
https://example.com/another-intermediate-page. - Final Redirect (Page D): Finally, this last page redirects to
https://example.com/final-destination.
In this scenario, the user experiences multiple redirects before reaching the intended page, which can lead to longer load times and potential failures if any link in the chain is broken. Googlebot can follow up to five hops in a redirect chain, but if it cannot reach the final destination by the fifth hop, it may stop trying altogether. This inefficiency not only affects user experience but can also impact SEO performance due to potential loss of link authority and increased load times.
To avoid such issues, it’s advisable to set up direct redirects from the initial URL to the final destination whenever possible, thereby eliminating unnecessary intermediate steps.
Additionally, using misconfigured redirect types can confuse search engines; for instance, employing a temporary redirect when a permanent one is needed may lead to indexing issues. Misconfigured redirect type can occur when a website mistakenly employs a temporary redirect (302) instead of a permanent redirect (301). Consider a scenario where a site has moved its content from „www.example.com/old-page” to „www.example.com/new-page.” if the site owner sets up a 302 redirect for this change, search engines may interpret this as a temporary move, suggesting that the old page might return in the future. As a result, search engines may continue to index the old URL rather than transferring its ranking and authority to the new page. It can lead to indexing issues, where both URLs compete for visibility in search results, ultimately harming the site’s overall seo performance. Using the correct redirect type is crucial to ensure that search engines understand the nature of the change and properly update their indexes.
Handling redirect errors in Google Search Console
When you receive a notification about redirect errors in GSC, it’s essential to take action.
Here are steps to effectively manage these issues:
Identify affected URLs
Navigate to the index coverage report in Google Search Console to find pages flagged with redirect errors. This report will help you pinpoint which URLs are causing problems.
Inspect the redirects
Use the url inspection tool within GSC to analyze the specific redirects. Check whether they lead to valid pages and ensure there are no loops or chains that exceed recommended limits.
Correct any issues
Once you identify problematic redirects, make necessary adjustments. Ensure all URLs are correctly formatted and accessible, fix any loops or chains, and verify that you are using the appropriate redirect types.
Resubmit your sitemap
After making corrections, update your sitemap and resubmit it through GSC. This will prompt Googlebot to re-crawl your site and index the corrected pages.
Monitor regularly
Keep an eye on your Google Search Console reports for any new or recurring issues. Regular monitoring helps catch problems early before they affect your site’s visibility.
Best practices for managing redirects
To minimize the occurrence of redirect errors in the future, consider implementing several best practices. If you are sure that you are permanently transferring one resource to another – always use 301 redirects for permanent changes since they pass on link equity from the old URL to the new one. Limiting the number of redirects on any given page and avoiding unnecessary chains can also help maintain efficiency.
Utilizing tools like Screaming Frog, Revamper11 or httpstatus.io can assist in regularly checking your site’s redirects for accuracy and efficiency. Maintaining a clean and updated sitemap that reflects only valid URLs further supports effective management of redirects.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage redirect errors in Google Search Console, ensuring that your website remains accessible and optimized for search engines.
Citations:
https://seotesting.com/google-search-console/redirect-error
https://www.onely.com/blog/how-to-fix-redirect-error-in-google-search-console
