Crawl errors can threaten your SEO strategy negatively. These errors occur when search engine bots (or crawlers) fail to access certain pages on your site. Left unchecked, crawl errors can not only prevent search engines from fully indexing your content but also erode your site's usability. The good news? They’re often fixable with the right approach.
Let’s find out what are crawl errors, how to identify them, and how you can fix the crawl errors effectively with our guide.
What Are Crawl Errors?
Crawl errors happen when a search engine’s crawler, such as Googlebot, tries to visit a page on your website but encounters a problem. These issues fall into two broad categories:
- Site Errors:Problems that affect your entire website, preventing crawlers from accessing any of your pages.
- DNS Errors: The domain name system fails to resolve correctly.
- Server Errors: Your server is down or takes too long to respond.
- txt File Issues: Your site’s robots.txt file inadvertently blocks crawlers.
- URL Errors: Specific problems with individual pages on your site. Common examples include:
- 404 Errors: The requested page doesn’t exist.
- Access Denied: Permissions or login requirements block access.
- Soft 404s: Pages that appear to exist but have no meaningful content.
Learn more: How Does Website Crawling Work and What It Means For Us?
Continue reading: How To Fix Pages With Crawl Or Indexing Errors
How to Identify Crawl Errors In Your Website
Use Google Search Console
Google Search Console (GSC) is your first stop for diagnosing crawl errors. In the Crawl Stats or Page Indexing sections, you’ll find a detailed report of any issues Google’s crawlers encountered.
Check Server Logs
Server logs can provide additional insights into crawler behavior, including timestamps, bot activity, and specific error codes.
Use Third-Party Tools
SEO tools like Screaming Frog or SEMrush can simulate crawl behavior and identify issues beyond what GSC reports.
Fixing Crawl Errors In Your Website
1. Address DNS and Server Errors
- DNS Issues: Ensure your domain is properly configured with your hosting provider. Use tools like Google’s Public DNS to test.
- Server Errors: Optimize server performance, increase bandwidth if needed, and ensure uptime with a reliable hosting provider.
2. Fix URL Errors
- 404 Errors: Redirect broken links to relevant pages using 301 redirects, or create custom 404 pages to guide users.
- Soft 404s: Add meaningful content to thin pages or properly redirect them.
- Access Denied: Update permissions to allow crawler access or provide alternative routes for restricted content.
3. Update Your Robots.txt File
Check that critical areas (like your sitemap) aren’t mistakenly blocked. Check for unintentional blocks and use the robots.txt Tester in GSC to validate changes.
4. Resolve Sitemap Issues
Ensure your XML sitemap is up-to-date and error-free. Sitemaps are guides for bots. Keep them updated so bots know where to go. Submit it to GSC for better indexing.
Learn more: Different Types of Sitemaps That You Should Know
5. Improve Internal Linking
Audit your site’s internal links to ensure there are no broken paths. Broken links within your site can confuse crawlers. Regularly review and repair them. Strong internal linking can also help crawlers discover pages more efficiently.
Learn more: How To Master Internal Linking For Your Website
Prevention Tips To Avoid Crawl Errors
- Regularly audit your site for technical issues using tools like GSC and Screaming Frog.
- Monitor uptime with services like Pingdom.
- Keep your CMS and plugins updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Conduct link audits to identify and fix broken external or internal links.
Conclusion
Crawl errors may be pesky, but they’re not insurmountable. With the right tools and a proactive mindset, you can ensure your site remains accessible to both users and search engine bots. Remember, every error fixed is another step towards better search rankings and a more user-friendly website. So, roll up your sleeves and start crawling towards success!
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