English Google Webmaster Central office-hours hangout

TL;DR

John Mueller answers webmaster questions in a Google Hangout.

Transcript

JOHN MUELLER: OK. Welcome, everyone, to today's Google Webmaster Central Office Hours Hangouts. My name is John Mueller. I am a Webmaster Trends Analyst here at Google in Switzerland, and part of what we do is talk with webmasters and publishers like the ones here in the Hangouts. Oops. Someone has an echo. There are already a bunch of questions th... Read More

Key Insights

• John Mueller discusses the impact of links from tabs not visible by default, suggesting they are fine for internal navigation.
• For e-commerce sites with empty categories, a 404 or no-index meta tag is recommended to handle soft 404s.
• Updating sitemap files with last modification dates can help Google recrawl pages faster.
• The importance of maintaining a consistent URL structure is emphasized to avoid unnecessary site changes.
• Google's algorithms for site quality and link importance are generally separate, though they can sometimes overlap.
• The use of canonical tags is essential for managing URLs with tracking parameters to avoid duplication.
• 404 errors in Search Console are normal and should only be addressed if they mistakenly affect actual content.
• Interacting with user-generated content should involve no-follow links to prevent spammy links from affecting site quality.

Questions & Answers

Q: How should e-commerce sites handle empty categories?

For e-commerce sites with empty categories, John Mueller suggests using a 404 status code or a no-index meta tag to manage pages that Google marks as soft 404s. This approach helps prevent indexing of non-content pages and maintains a clean site structure.

Q: What is the best way to update Google about changes in page content?

Mueller advises using sitemap files with last modification dates to inform Google about changes in page content. This method helps Google prioritize recrawling and updating the indexed content, ensuring that the latest version is reflected in search results.

Q: How does Google handle canonical tags for URLs with tracking parameters?

Canonical tags are crucial for managing URLs with tracking parameters. Mueller explains that Google uses these tags to consolidate duplicate content, ensuring that the preferred URL is indexed. This practice helps maintain a clean and efficient site structure.

Q: Are 404 errors in Search Console a cause for concern?

404 errors in Search Console are normal and not a concern unless they mistakenly affect actual content. Mueller emphasizes that 404s are valid for URLs that don't exist, and they don't impact the ranking of other site content. They are primarily informational.

Q: How can interstitials affect site ranking?

Mueller notes that interstitials can negatively impact user experience and potentially affect rankings. If interstitials block content from being read, they could be considered problematic. Google aims to provide users with direct access to content without obstructions.

Q: What should be considered when changing a site's URL structure?

Mueller stresses the importance of maintaining a consistent URL structure to avoid unnecessary changes. Changing URLs can lead to a significant impact on site indexing and ranking, so it's best to choose a structure that can be maintained long-term.

Q: Does Google use signals from other sites in its quality algorithms?

Google's quality algorithms focus on the website itself, using signals independent of other sites. Mixing signals from different sources can lead to unintended consequences, so Google aims to evaluate site quality based on its own content and performance.

Q: How should user-generated content be managed to avoid spammy links?

Mueller recommends using no-follow links for user-generated content to prevent spammy links from affecting site quality. This practice helps ensure that only trusted and relevant links contribute to the site's authority and search performance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Mueller hosts a Google Webmaster Central Office Hours Hangout, addressing questions from webmasters about SEO, crawling, and indexing. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent URL structure and using canonical tags effectively.

• Mueller advises on handling empty categories in e-commerce sites, recommending 404 or no-index tags to deal with soft 404s. He also discusses the significance of sitemap updates for faster recrawling.

• The session covers the separation of Google's quality and link algorithms, the handling of user-generated content, and the non-critical nature of 404 errors in Search Console. Mueller suggests focusing on unique content over republishing feeds.