Solving Page with Redirect Errors in Google Search Console

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Page with Redirect Error
3. Causes of Page with Redirect Error
4. Analyzing Redirected Pages in Search Console
5. Dealing with Page Builder Pages
6. Handling the Homepage Redirect Issue
7. Fixing Pages without a Forward Slash
8. Managing URL Changes and Redirection
9. Handling External Referencing Pages
10. Setting up Redirection Plugin
11. How Long to Keep the Redirects

Article

Introduction

Do you have a website and are facing issues with redirect errors in Google Search Console? Don't worry; we're here to help you understand and fix these errors. In this article, we will walk you through the process of dealing with page with redirect errors and provide you with the necessary solutions. So, let's dive in!

Understanding Page with Redirect Error

So what exactly is a page with redirect error? When Googlebot tries to access one of the URLs on your website, but instead of loading the page, it encounters a redirect instruction. In such cases, Google notes down this redirect and displays it in the search engine console report. These redirected URLs appear in the report to inform you that certain pages have been redirected. It's important to note that not all pages will have redirect issues, and these reports serve as a guide to understand how Google perceives your website.

Causes of Page with Redirect Error

Before we move on to the solutions, let's discuss the possible causes of pages with redirect errors. One common cause is the presence of page builder pages, such as Elementor or default kit pages related to plugins or themes. These pages often have a discovery option that signals to Google that they are not included in any sitemap and may not have any referring pages. However, this is normal behavior and nothing to worry about.

Another cause can be the assignment of a specific page, such as the homepage, which may not have any referring pages. This is common in WordPress websites, where the assigned homepage is considered a redirected URL. Again, this is nothing to be concerned about.

Analyzing Redirected Pages in Search Console

To better understand how to address pages with redirect errors, let's explore a live example from the search console. In the console, you will find multiple pages listed under the "Page with Redirect" report. The examples provided in this article are applicable to any kind of website or blog, and you can easily identify similar patterns on your own website.

Dealing with Page Builder Pages

One type of page that you may encounter in the redirect report is page builder pages. These can be easily recognized by their names, such as "Elementor HF footer" or "Elemental Library." These pages are often templates for specific sections of your website. To address this issue, navigate to your website and check if you are using any SEO plugin. If you are, go to the content types section and ensure that the option for page builder pages is unchecked. By doing so, you can ensure that these pages are not included in the sitemap, and Google will eventually stop reporting them as redirect errors.

Handling the Homepage Redirect Issue

If your homepage is listed in the redirect report, there is no reason to be alarmed. This is a common occurrence, especially if you have assigned a specific page as your homepage. As long as there are no referring pages detected and the URL corresponds to your website's main URL, you can safely ignore this entry in the report.

Fixing Pages without a Forward Slash

Sometimes, you may come across URLs without a forward slash in the redirect report. This is often a result of normal behavior in WordPress or other CMS platforms. However, it is crucial to pay attention to cases where there is a misspelling or error in the URL. By inspecting the referring page, you can identify the source of the error and make the necessary corrections in your website's settings.

Managing URL Changes and Redirection

If you have recently changed the URL of an existing page or post on your website, you may see it listed in the redirect report. This is because Google notes the old URL and its redirection to the new URL. However, this is normal behavior and does not require any action on your part. In such cases, it is recommended to use a redirection plugin to set up the proper redirects. This ensures that users are seamlessly redirected to the new URL and that search engines are aware of the changes.

Handling External Referencing Pages

In some cases, you may find external referencing pages listed in the redirect report. These are pages from external websites that contain outdated links leading to your website. Since you do not have control over these external websites, there is no need to worry about these redirects. Google understands that you cannot fix external websites and will not penalize you for such redirects.

Setting up Redirection Plugin

To manage redirects effectively, it is highly recommended to install a redirection plugin on your website. This plugin allows you to easily set up redirects for pages with URL changes or other redirection requirements. By using a redirection plugin, you can maintain the flow of traffic and ensure a smooth user experience on your website. Make sure to consult the documentation or watch tutorials on how to properly set up and configure the redirection plugin for your specific website.

How Long to Keep the Redirects

An important question that arises when dealing with redirects is how long should they be kept. While there is no specific answer, Google recommends keeping redirects for at least one year. This timeframe allows search engines to update their indexes and ensure that the new URL is properly recognized. After one year, you can safely remove the redirects, as search engines would have already updated their records.

Conclusion

In conclusion, page with redirect errors is a common issue faced by website owners. By understanding the causes and solutions provided in this article, you can effectively address these errors and ensure a smooth browsing experience for your users. Remember to regularly check your search console and make necessary adjustments to maintain a healthy website.