To fix the “Page with Redirect” issue in Google Search Console, you need to identify the redirecting URLs, ensure they lead to the correct destination, and update or remove unnecessary redirects to improve site indexing and SEO.
If you manage a website and use Google Search Console (GSC) to monitor its performance, you may have encountered the “Page with Redirect” status in your coverage report. This status means that a specific URL you’re trying to get indexed is being redirected to another URL, and Google isn’t indexing the original page. While this might seem like a small deal initially, unresolved redirect issues can affect your site’s SEO and lead to a less-than-optimal user experience.
In this article, we’ll explore what “Page with Redirect” means and why it’s important to address it, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix it in Google Search Console.
What Does “Page with Redirect” Mean in Google Search Console?
The “Page with Redirect” message appears in the Coverage section of Google Search Console, indicating that Google found a redirect for a page you’ve submitted for indexing. When Googlebot tries to crawl the page, it encounters a redirect pointing to a different URL. While redirects can be a valid part of your website structure, they may need to be handled properly, especially regarding SEO.
Why Should You Fix Redirect Issues?
Redirects are often used for good reasons, like forwarding users to a new URL when you’ve moved a page or to improve user experience. However, unresolved or incorrect redirects can lead to:
- Loss of Page Authority: If the redirect needs to be implemented correctly (e.g., using a 302 instead of a 301), you may lose link equity or authority from backlinks pointing to the original URL.
- Lower Rankings: Google might not fully credit the destination URL, leading to a drop in search rankings.
- User Confusion: Broken or endless redirect loops can cause a bad user experience, increasing bounce rates.
- Crawling Issues: Googlebot might need help crawling and indexing your site properly if redirects are properly configured.
How to Identify Pages with Redirects in Google Search Console
To start fixing this issue, you need to identify which pages are flagged with the “Page with Redirect” message. Here’s how to do it:
1. Log in to Google Search Console: Head over to the [Google Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console) and log in to your account.
2. Select Your Property: From your dashboard, select the website or property where you’re encountering the issue.
3. Navigate to Coverage Report: In the left-hand menu, click on “Coverage” under the Index section. This will take you to the report that lists any issues related to how Google indexes your site.
4. Find the “Page with Redirect” Status: Under the Coverage section, you’ll see various statuses like “Valid,” “Error,” “Excluded,” etc. Look for the “Page with Redirect” status in the Excluded section. Click on it to view a list of URLs that are being redirected.
Steps to Fix the “Page with Redirect” Issue in Google Search Console
Now that you’ve identified the problematic pages let’s look at how to fix the redirect issues and ensure that Google indexes your website correctly.
1. Check the Type of Redirect
The first thing you need to do is identify what type of redirect is being used. There are two common types of redirects:
- 301 Redirect: This is a permanent redirect, telling search engines that the original URL has permanently moved to a new location. It transfers almost all the SEO value from the old URL to the new one.
- 302 Redirect: This temporary redirect is generally used when the move is not permanent. It tells search engines to keep the old URL in their index, which can cause issues if you intend the change to be permanent.
To fix the issue, ensure that you’re using the correct redirect type. In most cases, a 301 redirect is the best option for maintaining SEO value.
2. Fix Redirect Chains
A redirect chain occurs when one page redirects to another, which then redirects to another, and so on. This can dilute SEO value and confuse both users and Googlebot. To fix this:
- Identify the chain: You can use Screaming Frog or other SEO tools to crawl your site and find any redirect chains.
- Simplify the redirects: Ensure only one redirect from the original URL to the destination URL. For example, URL A should directly redirect to URL B, not via URL C.
3. Avoid Redirect Loops
A redirect loop happens when a page redirects back to itself or creates an infinite loop between several pages. Googlebot cannot crawl these pages, and users may encounter errors. To fix this:
- Check for loops: Tools like Screaming Frog or manual testing can help you find redirect loops.
- Correct the loop: Make sure the URLs are pointing in the right direction and not back to themselves.
4. Update Internal Links
If your website’s internal links still point to the old URL being redirected, it can slow down the user experience and waste the crawl budget. Here’s what you can do:
- Update internal links to point directly to the final URL, bypassing the redirect altogether. This helps Google crawl your site more efficiently and ensures users land on the correct page faster.
5. Submit the Correct URL to Google Search Console
Once you’ve fixed the redirects, submit the correct URL in Google Search Console. Here’s how:
- Go back to the Coverage report in GSC.
- Find the URL with the redirect issue and use the URL Inspection Tool to check the updated status.
- If the URL is correct and has no redirect issues, click on “Request Indexing” to ask Google to re-crawl the page.
6. Monitor the Fix
After making the necessary changes, it’s important to monitor the issue. Give Google some time to re-crawl your site and then check back in the Coverage section of GSC to see if the “Page with Redirect” status has been resolved. If everything has been correctly fixed, the page should either move to the “Valid” section or not appear as an issue anymore.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When fixing redirect issues, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using the wrong redirect type (e.g., 302 instead of 301).
- Leaving old pages in your sitemap that are being redirected to new URLs.
- Neglecting mobile redirects if your mobile and desktop versions differ.
- Not updating external links pointing to the old URL could still affect traffic and SEO.
Conclusion
The “Page with Redirect” status in Google Search Console might seem like a minor issue, but it can impact your SEO, user experience, and website performance if left unresolved. By identifying redirect issues and fixing them—whether through proper redirect types, removing chains, or avoiding loops—you can ensure your website remains optimized for Google and delivers a smooth user experience.
Regularly checking and fixing issues like these in Google Search Console is critical to maintaining your site’s health and ensuring it performs well in search results. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can fix the “Page with Redirect” issue and keep your website on track for SEO success.
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