- PPF Points
- 186
Crawl errors used to be a source of confusion for me when I first started managing websites. I recall seeing a lengthy list of errors when I checked my Google Search Console. It was too much to handle. However, as time went on, I discovered that crawl errors are simply Google's method of alerting us to a problem preventing their bots from properly analyzing our website. Furthermore, resolving these problems is easier than it may seem.
Site errors and URL errors are the two main types of crawl errors. Your entire website is impacted by site errors, such as a slow loading time or a downed server. My hosting plan once expired, and I didn't realize it for a few days. As a result, Google was unable to access my website, which was recorded as a site error. The solution was straightforward: check the server, renew hosting, and ensure that the website was back up and running as soon as possible.
Errors in URLs are more frequent. These consist of things like blocked URLs and 404 pages (page not found). I once removed some old blog entries, for instance, without creating any redirects. After repeatedly attempting to crawl them, Google was unable to locate them, resulting in 404 errors. I resolved this by using the.htaccess file on my website or a plugin (if I'm using WordPress) to set up 301 redirects from the removed URLs to new, comparable, or pertinent pages. In this manner, search engines and users alike were directed to the appropriate location.
I also encountered a problem with robots.txt. By writing "Disallow: /" in the file, I had unintentionally prevented Google from crawling specific sections of my website. That instructed all search engines to avoid the entire website! By making changes to the robots.txt file and permitting access to the regions I wanted crawled, I was able to fix it. If pages aren't appearing in search, always check your robots.txt settings.
Additionally, I learned to monitor any broken internal links. Other sections of your website may still link to the old URL even after you move a page or change its URL. I now routinely check my website for broken links using programs like Screaming Frog or even free online checkers. Resolving those maintains a seamless experience for both Google and visitors.
The key to resolving crawl errors is being vigilant and frequently monitoring your website. In this case, Google Search Console is your best friend. It identifies the problems and frequently makes suggestions about what's wrong. I make an effort to correct any new errors within a day or two of discovering them. That has maintained my website's health and visibility in search results.
In the end, crawl errors aren’t scary. They’re just signs that something needs attention. And once you learn to fix them, your site becomes easier to manage and more successful in the long run.
Site errors and URL errors are the two main types of crawl errors. Your entire website is impacted by site errors, such as a slow loading time or a downed server. My hosting plan once expired, and I didn't realize it for a few days. As a result, Google was unable to access my website, which was recorded as a site error. The solution was straightforward: check the server, renew hosting, and ensure that the website was back up and running as soon as possible.
Errors in URLs are more frequent. These consist of things like blocked URLs and 404 pages (page not found). I once removed some old blog entries, for instance, without creating any redirects. After repeatedly attempting to crawl them, Google was unable to locate them, resulting in 404 errors. I resolved this by using the.htaccess file on my website or a plugin (if I'm using WordPress) to set up 301 redirects from the removed URLs to new, comparable, or pertinent pages. In this manner, search engines and users alike were directed to the appropriate location.
I also encountered a problem with robots.txt. By writing "Disallow: /" in the file, I had unintentionally prevented Google from crawling specific sections of my website. That instructed all search engines to avoid the entire website! By making changes to the robots.txt file and permitting access to the regions I wanted crawled, I was able to fix it. If pages aren't appearing in search, always check your robots.txt settings.
Additionally, I learned to monitor any broken internal links. Other sections of your website may still link to the old URL even after you move a page or change its URL. I now routinely check my website for broken links using programs like Screaming Frog or even free online checkers. Resolving those maintains a seamless experience for both Google and visitors.
The key to resolving crawl errors is being vigilant and frequently monitoring your website. In this case, Google Search Console is your best friend. It identifies the problems and frequently makes suggestions about what's wrong. I make an effort to correct any new errors within a day or two of discovering them. That has maintained my website's health and visibility in search results.
In the end, crawl errors aren’t scary. They’re just signs that something needs attention. And once you learn to fix them, your site becomes easier to manage and more successful in the long run.