How to Fix the ‘Page with Redirect’ Error in Google Search Console for Better SEO

How to Fix the ‘Page with Redirect’ Error in Google Search Console for Better SEO

If you manage a website and use Google Search Console (GSC), encountering errors is part of the journey. One such error is the ‘Page with Redirect’ issue, which can hinder your site’s SEO performance. In this blog post, we’ll break down the causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it effectively.

What is a ‘Page with Redirect’ error?

A ‘Page with Redirect’ error occurs in GSC when a URL or indexed pages submitted in your sitemap are redirected to another URL. While redirects can be useful for managing outdated or migrated content, their excessive or inappropriate use can confuse search engines and negatively impact your SEO.

Common Causes of the Error
  • Outdated URLs in the Sitemap: If your sitemap contains URLs that have been permanently redirected (301) or temporarily redirected (302), GSC will flag them.
  • Improper Redirect Chains: Multiple redirects in a chain can cause indexing issues, as search engines may have trouble following the path to reach the final destination.
  • Inconsistent Canonical Tags: This error can occur on a page that is redirected and points to another URL but the canonical tag points to another URL.
  • Internal Linking Issues: Internal links leading to redirected URLs can cause confusion for search engines and users.
  • Server Misconfigurations: Incorrect server settings may inadvertently create redirects.

How to Fix the ‘Page with Redirect’ Error

Follow these steps to resolve this issue and improve your website’s SEO:

1. Audit Your Sitemap
  • Use tools like Screaming Frog or an online sitemap validator to identify redirected URLs in your sitemap.
  • Replace redirected URLs with their final destination URLs or remove them if they are no longer relevant.
2. Fix Redirect Chains and Loops
  • Use a tool like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to test redirect chains.
  • To improve crawling efficiency, limit redirects from the old URL to the new URL to a single hop.
  • Remove or update any loops where a redirect points back to itself or to another URL in the chain.
3. Update Internal Links
  • Use a crawler to find internal links that point to redirected URLs.
  • Update these links to point directly to the final destination.
4. Review Canonical Tags
  • Check the canonical tags on all affected pages.
  • Make sure they point correctly to the final destination URL without any conflicts.
5. Submit a New Sitemap
  • After correcting your sitemap, resubmit it to GSC to prompt re-crawling and indexing of the updated URLs.
6. Monitor Server Settings
  • Review your server’s configuration files (e.g., .htaccess or nginx.conf) for accidental redirects.
  • Correct or remove any unnecessary rules.
7. Use URL Inspection Tool
  • In GSC, use the URL Inspection tool to check each problematic URL.
  • Test the live URL to ensure it resolves correctly and is not redirected.

Best Practices to Avoid Future Errors

  • Maintain an Updated Sitemap: Regularly review and update your sitemap to ensure it reflects your site’s current structure.
  • Avoid Overusing Redirects: Use redirects sparingly and only when necessary, such as for permanently moved or removed content.
  • Regularly Monitor GSC Reports: Keep an eye on GSC’s Index Coverage report to catch issues early.
  • Set Up Proper 301 Redirects: For permanently moved pages, use 301 redirects to pass link equity and avoid confusing search engines.

Conclusion

Fixing the 'Page with redirect' error in Google Search Console is essential for maintaining a healthy website and improving your SEO. By identifying the root cause, making the necessary corrections, and following best practices, you can ensure that your site remains search engine-friendly. Regular maintenance and proactive monitoring are key to preventing this issue from recurring. Start optimizing today and enjoy a better performing website!

FAQ's

What is a Google redirect error?

A redirect error occurs when Google encounters an issue following a URL that redirects to another location. Redirects are often used to guide users or bots from one page to another, such as when a page is moved, or to consolidate duplicate content.

How to fix redirect error in Google Search Console?

Select the website for which you want to fix redirect errors. Choose "Pages" from the "Indexing" section in the sidebar. Scroll down to the "Why pages aren't indexed" section and choose "Pages with redirect" reason. Here you'll find a list of pages with redirect errors.

How do I clear Google redirect?

Open the Chrome Developer Tools (F12) Go to the Network tab and make sure Disable cache is ticked Reload (or navigate to) the page you no longer want to be redirected while keeping the dev tools open. This will clear the cached redirect.

How many redirects is too many for SEO?

Well, there is no limit to the number of HTTP 301 redirects and this number does not impact SEO. The only thing to avoid is too many redirect for the same page (i mean redirects in series) because it produces a lack of performance (loading speed) and so it damages the user experience.

How do I stop Google from redirecting?

  • On your computer, open Chrome.
  • At the top right, click More. Settings.
  • Click Privacy and security Site Settings. Pop-ups and redirects.
  • Choose the option that you want as your default setting.

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