Google Search Advocate John Mueller has put light on how Google Search Console processes 404 errors, redirects, and site migration issues during reprocessing. Key insights include the purpose of the “mark as fixed” feature, the importance of proper redirects, and the timeline for reprocessing site changes.
Key Insights from John Mueller
The Purpose of “Mark as Fixed”
Mueller clarified that the “mark as fixed” feature in Search Console does not speed up reprocessing of site changes. Instead, it acts as a progress tracker for site owners. He stated:
“The ‘mark as fixed’ here will only track how things are being reprocessed. It won’t speed up reprocessing itself.”
For 404 errors intentionally set up for pages that no longer exist, no additional action is required:
“If they are supposed to be 404s, then there’s nothing to do. 404s for pages that don’t exist are fine. It’s technically correct to have them return 404. These being flagged doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, if you’re doing the 404s on purpose.”
Addressing Non-Intentional 404 Errors
For pages that shouldn’t be returning a 404 status, Mueller provided specific recommendations:
- Redirects: Set up proper redirects to guide users and search engines to the correct URLs.
- New Content: Ensure new pages return a 200 (OK) status code.
- Internal Links: Update internal links to reflect the new URLs.
- Sitemap Updates: Refresh the sitemap with updated dates to signal changes to Google.
Timeline for Reprocessing Changes
Mueller highlighted that the time it takes for Google to reprocess changes depends on the size of the website and the age of the issue:
- Recent Changes: If updates were made within a few days, Google is likely to process them quickly.
- Older or Large-Scale Changes: Reprocessing may take longer for older issues or extensive site migrations.
A Real-World Scenario
A Reddit user shared their experience with a client’s website migration that led to a loss in search rankings. Despite addressing technical issues, setting up proper redirects, and validating changes in Search Console, the user’s efforts did not yield immediate results. Frustrated, they sought advice online.
In response, Mueller explained the nuances of how Google handles these situations, emphasizing patience and the importance of thorough implementation.
Key Takeaways for Site Owners
- Use “Mark as Fixed” Wisely: Understand that it’s a tracking tool, not a reprocessing accelerator.
- Handle 404s Correctly: Ensure intentional 404s are implemented correctly, and resolve unintentional ones with proper redirects.
- Optimize Redirects and Links: Update all internal links and sitemaps to reflect URL changes accurately.
- Be Patient: Reprocessing takes time, especially for larger sites or complex migrations.
Why This Matters
Site migrations and structural changes are critical yet challenging for maintaining search rankings. Google Search Console offers tools to monitor progress, but its validation process only confirms fixes without accelerating indexing or reprocessing. By addressing redirects, content updates, and internal linking meticulously, site owners can navigate migrations more effectively and minimize ranking disruptions.
If it all still feels overwhelming, don’t worry—our monthly SEO packages are here to take the stress off your shoulders.Let the experts handle it for you!
