By Shad Super in Questions —

What Should You Consider Before Using the Removals Tool to Ensure It Doesn't Negatively Impact Necessary URLs?

Summary

Before using the Removals Tool, it is crucial to consider various factors to ensure that the removal of URLs does not negatively impact important content. Key considerations include understanding the tool's functionality, evaluating the URLs for necessity, assessing the potential SEO impact, knowing the available removal options, performing a thorough URL audit, and ensuring proper documentation and monitoring.

Understanding the Removals Tool

The Removals Tool in Google Search Console allows website owners to temporarily or permanently remove specific URLs from Google's search results. Using it incorrectly can lead to loss of valuable content or unintended SEO consequences.

Evaluating URLs for Necessity

Determine whether the URLs in question truly need to be removed. Ask yourself if the content is outdated, irrelevant, or legally required to be taken down.

Examples

  • If the page contains sensitive or outdated information, it may warrant removal.
  • Legal requirements or DMCA takedown notices might necessitate URL removal.

Assessing SEO Impact

Removing URLs can have significant effects on your SEO performance. It’s essential to evaluate the potential impact on traffic and rankings.

Considerations

  • Analyze if the pages provide important backlinks to other parts of your site.
  • Check if the removal could lead to broken links or 404 errors.
  • Assess the overall contribution of these pages to your site's SEO health – traffic, keywords, and inbound links.

Removal Options

The Removals Tool provides options for temporary or permanent removal. Choose the appropriate option based on your needs.

Temporary Removals

These typically last around six months and are suitable for content that needs a short-term absence from search results.

[Temporary Removals, Google Support]

Permanent Removals

These result in a long-term exclusion from search results and also involve removing the page from Google's cache.

[Permanent Removals, Google Support]

Performing a Thorough URL Audit

Before proceeding with any removals, conduct a comprehensive audit of the URLs. This involves identifying the importance and relevance of each URL targeted for removal.

Steps

  • Compile a list of URLs to be reviewed.
  • Use tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to analyze traffic, engagement, and backlinks for each URL.
  • Identify URLs without significant traffic or SEO value that can be safely removed.

Ensuring Proper Documentation and Monitoring

Document every URL removal request for future reference and monitor the impact on your site’s performance after the removal.

Best Practices

  • Keep a record of every removal action, including the reasons and the date.
  • Regularly track the performance of the website to identify any negative impact on traffic or rankings.
  • Be prepared to address any issues that arise from the removal, such as 404 errors or loss of significant backlinks.

References