Understanding Google's SEO Guidance on 404 & 410 Status Codes

A recent discussion on the r/SEO Reddit forum shared insights from Google’s Search Advocate, John Mueller, about website penalties and the importance of HTTP status codes. Mueller specifically answered questions from a website owner who had used AI to create content for their videogame guide website.

The owner removed around 200 AI-generated pages and then reached out for help on how to recover from this action. During the discussion, the topic of HTTP status codes 404 and 410 came up, which are used to show when web pages are either missing or permanently removed.

Mueller’s responses clarified Google’s stance, emphasizing practical considerations over theoretical differences in SEO.

Website Owner Admits To AI Content Creation

The conversation began when a website owner admitted using AI technologies like GPT to generate content for older games on their long-standing game guide website.

The site owner confessed

I attempted to use GPT to create game guides for older games I wasn't familiar with in order to increase content on the website and benefit from the site's credibility.

However, after a short period of positive results, worries emerged, leading to the deletion of around 200 AI-generated pages.

As they grapple with the repercussions, they ask:

“I’m wondering if this has typically been enough for others to see some recovery?”

Addressing 404 Status Codes

One Reddit user suggested the site might be facing penalties due to 404 status codes, which indicate a webpage cannot be found.

However, Mueller swiftly clarified the situation:

“Google does not penalize for 404’s (those pages drop out of the index though).”

404 vs. 410 Status Codes

A follow-up question asked about the potential impact of using a 410 status code, indicating that a resource is permanently gone, versus a 404.

Mueller from Google states that the discrepancies between 404 and 410 errors are insignificant for SEO. He mentions that the variance in how these errors are handled is so minimal that it doesn't really make a difference in terms of search engine optimization.

He acknowledged the theoretical correctness of using the appropriate status code but says practical considerations take priority.

A Lighthearted Closing

Mueller ended his response with a hint of humor, knowing that his comments would attract a lot of attention. He playfully added, "And I know that by writing this, I'm probably going to get even more unnecessary attention – or is it really unnecessary? Hi, mom. Shoutout to the academy for having me here. Let's show some love to the Women in Tech SEO group. Don't forget to floss."

Why SEJ Cares

With the March core update still rolling out, Mueller’s insights provide valuable guidance on navigating potential demotions and ensuring compliance with best practices.

Mueller’s comments on HTTP status codes offer a pragmatic approach to handling missing or removed web pages.

With this knowledge, SEO professionals can make more informed decisions.

How This Can Help You

Mueller’s advice provides a starting point for those facing similar situations.

By following best practices and addressing potential issues promptly, website owners can work towards regaining their search engine visibility.

FAQ

How does Google view 404 and 410 HTTP status codes regarding SEO?

Google’s position on HTTP 404 and 410 status codes is that they are treated similarly with minimal differences in SEO impact.

When Google receives a 404 or 410 error code, it recognizes that a page is either missing or permanently removed. This leads to the pages being removed from the index without any penalties imposed.

It is important for SEO professionals to grasp these differences in order to effectively manage missing content without worrying about negative SEO consequences.

Are there negative consequences of using AI for content creation on websites?

AI-generated content is not automatically penalized, but it is important to ensure that the quality meets guidelines. Low-quality content can have a negative impact on the SEO of a website.

Recovering from the removal of content depends on different factors, such as following best practices and the quality of the content that is left.

Search engines usually prefer content that is authentic and provides value when determining search rankings.

Can removing low-quality or non-compliant content help improve search rankings?

Getting rid of low-quality or non-compliant content can actually boost your search rankings. This is because Google values high-quality and relevant information, so aligning your content with their standards can lead to better visibility online.

The recovery process can also be influenced by factors such as creating valuable content, the overall performance of the site, and following SEO best practices.

Featured Image: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

Editor's P/S:

The article emphasizes the importance of understanding HTTP status codes, particularly 404 and 410, in the context of SEO. Google's Search Advocate, John Mueller, clarifies that Google does not penalize websites for 404 errors, but these pages are dropped out of the index. He also explains that the difference between 404 and 410 status codes is minimal for SEO, emphasizing that practical considerations should take precedence over theoretical correctness.

Mueller's insights provide valuable guidance for SEO professionals. By understanding how Google treats HTTP status codes, they can make informed decisions about handling missing or removed web pages. This knowledge helps website owners avoid unnecessary penalties and work towards regaining their search engine visibility. The article also highlights the potential benefits of removing low-quality or non-compliant content to improve search rankings, further emphasizing the importance of quality content in SEO.