How to Fix “Page with Redirect” in Google Search Console

How to Fix “Page with Redirect” in Google Search Console – The Google Search Console’s “Page with redirect” message might seem like a harmless notification at first, but for SEO professionals, it’s a red flag waving in the digital wind. It’s a cryptic clue, hinting at potential issues with your website’s structure and user experience, and ultimately, your SEO performance. But fear not, brave adventurers!

This blog is your guide to deciphering this message and fixing those pesky redirects once and for all.

Understanding the Message “Page with Redirect”

Let’s break down the message itself:

• Page with redirect: This indicates that Googlebot crawled a URL on your website and encountered a redirect.
• Search Console: This platform provides insights into your website’s performance in Google Search, including indexing and crawling issues.

While redirects can be helpful for various reasons, like moving a page to a new location or creating a mobile-friendly version, improper redirects can confuse search engines and harm your SEO.

Why is this Warning Bad?

There are two main reasons why the “Page with redirect” message can be detrimental:

1. Indexing Issues:

• Redirects add an extra step for Googlebot to reach the final destination, which can slow down indexing and lead to valuable pages being missed altogether.
• Multiple redirects can create redirect chains, further confusing Googlebot and potentially leading to the final page being devalued or even excluded from search results.

2. User Experience:

• Too many redirects can create a frustrating user experience, with users bouncing off your website due to slow loading times or unexpected redirects.
• This can negatively impact your website’s conversion rates and overall SEO performance.

Diagnosing The Problem:

Before we jump into fixing the redirects, let’s identify the culprit:

1. Review the “Page with redirect” report:

• This report in Search Console lists the affected URLs and the type of redirect used.
• Analyze the report to understand the context and potential impact of each redirect.

2. Investigate the redirects:

• Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to crawl your website and identify all redirects, including those not reported by Search Console.
• Analyze the redirect chains and identify any unnecessary or circular redirects.

3. Check redirect types:

• Understand the different types of redirects and their implications:
  • 301 Permanent: This is the preferred redirect type for permanently moved pages.
  • 302 Temporary: This is used for temporary redirects, like during site maintenance.
  • Meta refresh: This is an outdated method and should be avoided.

Fixing the Problem:

To address the redirects identified in your diagnosis, consider these targeted strategies:

• Eliminate Unnecessary Redirects: Locate and remove redirects pointing to pages that have ceased to exist. By doing so, you ensure that Googlebot accesses the intended page directly without unnecessary detours or redirection.
• Optimize Redirect Chains: If there’s a sequence of redirects leading to the final page, attempt to streamline this chain. Strive to minimize the number of redirects, ideally aiming for a singular redirect per URL. This optimization helps in expediting the crawling process and streamlining the user journey.
• Appropriate Redirect Types: Choose the suitable redirect type based on the scenario. Employ 301 redirects for permanent page moves, indicating to search engines that the change is permanent. For temporary situations, use 302 redirects. Additionally, steer clear of using meta refresh redirects, as they aren’t as effective or SEO-friendly.
• Canonical Tag Updates: In cases where you’re implementing redirects from an older page to a new one, ensure the canonical tag on the former page directs to the latter. This practice assists Google in comprehending the desired relationship between the interconnected pages, aiding in better indexing and understanding of page hierarchy.

Preventing the Problem:

Implement these proactive measures to avoid future redirect issues:

• Plan your URL structure: Before creating new pages, ensure they have unique URLs and won’t require redirects.
• Record your redirects: Keep a detailed log of all redirects implemented on your website, outlining their purpose and target URLs.
• Verify your redirects: Conduct periodic tests to ensure that your redirects function as intended, avoiding broken links and unexpected behaviors.

Remember: Fixing “Page with redirect” issues requires careful analysis and strategic action. By understanding the message, diagnosing the problem, and implementing the right fix, you can clean up your website’s redirect structure and ensure a smooth user experience for both search engines and your visitors. A well-optimized website with minimal redirects will be rewarded by Google and ultimately lead to better SEO performance and increased organic traffic.

Bonus Tips:

• Consider using redirect plugins for your CMS: These plugins can simplify redirect management and ensure proper implementation.
• Stay updated on Google’s latest guidelines: Google’s algorithms and best practices regarding redirects can change over time. Keep yourself informed to stay ahead of the curve.
• Don’t hesitate to seek help: If the issue becomes complex or requires advanced technical expertise, consider seeking help

Tools to Examine Your Redirects

There are Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or Google URL Inspection Tool to help you. Diagnose edirect issues in the Google Search Console, and fix. Some common problems you could diagnose with these tools include redirect chains, loops, and broken redirects. By studying Your site URL architecture, you are able to identify which page(s) causes the problem and that the right HTTP status code (301 or 302) has been implemented.

Short-term and Long-term Solutions

In the short term, fix any immediate redirect issues by correcting faulty redirect chains or removing unnecessary redirects. For long-term solutions, implement proper 301 redirects for permanent changes and regularly audit your site’s redirects to maintain a clean URL structure, ensuring optimal SEO performance and user experience.

Wrap Up

With the right knowledge and a bit of effort, you can master the art of redirects and keep your website humming along at peak SEO performance. If handling these redirect issues seems complex or you require professional support, consider reaching out to IndeedSEO. Our team of seasoned SEO professionals can assist in diagnosing and resolving such technical intricacies efficiently, ensuring your website stays optimized for maximum visibility and performance. 

Email: info@indeedseo.com