Google has launched a brand new episode in its “search engine marketing Workplace Hours Shorts” video sequence, during which Developer Advocate Martin Splitt addresses a query many web site homeowners face: Ought to all 404 error pages be redirected to the homepage?
The Clear Reply: Don’t Do It
Within the newest installment of the condensed Q&A format, Splitt responds to a query from a consumer named Chris about whether or not “redirecting all 404 pages to the homepage with 301 redirects can have a damaging influence on rankings or total web site efficiency in search.”
Splitt’s response was unambiguous: “Sure, and in addition it annoys me as a consumer.”
Why 404s Serve A Goal
404 error pages sign to customers and search engine crawlers {that a} URL is damaged or nonexistent. This transparency helps individuals perceive what they’re coping with slightly than being unexpectedly redirected to an unrelated web page.
Splitt defined:
“A 404 is a really clear sign this hyperlink is improper and damaged or this URL not exists as a result of possibly the product doesn’t exist or one thing has modified.”
Influence on Search Crawlers
Splitt says blanket redirects to the homepage can disrupt search engine crawlers’ effectivity.
When crawlers encounter a reputable 404, they acknowledge that the content material not exists and may transfer on to different URLs. Nevertheless, redirecting them to the homepage creates a complicated loop.
Splitt famous:
“For a crawler, they go like homepage after which click on by means of or mainly crawl by means of your web site, discovering content material, and finally they may run right into a URL that doesn’t exist.
However should you redirect, they’re form of like being redirected, after which all of it begins over once more.”
Finest Practices for Dealing with Lacking Content material
Splitt provided clear steering on correct redirects:
- If content material has moved to a brand new location, use a redirect to that particular new URL
- If content material is really gone, keep the 404 standing code
- Don’t redirect to the homepage or what you assume is the “closest” match
Splitt emphasised:
“If it moved elsewhere, use a redirect. If it’s gone, don’t redirect me to the homepage.”
This newest steering aligns with Google’s longstanding advice to keep up correct HTTP standing codes to assist customers and search engines like google and yahoo perceive your web site construction.
New Format
The search engine marketing Workplace Hours Shorts format is a brand new method from Google’s Search Relations group.
The unique format was a reside present the place anybody may name in and get their questions answered in actual time.
This format then transitioned to recorded periods the place Google personnel responded to a number of pre-approved questions.
Now, search engine marketing Workplace Hours is introduced as brief movies. In the event you desire one of many earlier codecs, Splitt encourages suggestions within the feedback part of the video beneath:
Featured Picture: Screenshot from YouTube.com/GoogleSearchCentral, March 2025.
