How to Resolve 'Page with Redirect' Issues in Google Search Console for Shopify Websites
Managing an ecommerce business on Shopify involves various tasks, including ensuring your site is optimized for search engines. One common concern users face is the 'Page with Redirect' status in Google Search Console. If you've ever wondered why your HTTP pages show up with redirects, and what impact this has on your Shopify store, you're not alone.
In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind 'Page with Redirect' issues, how to address them, and best practices for maintaining your website's visibility in Google searches.
Understanding the 'Page with Redirect' Issue
When you log into Google Search Console and notice any of your site's HTTP pages listed as 'Page with Redirect,' it generally means that these pages are redirecting users to different URLs. This is often observed with HTTP to HTTPS migrations, which are vital for website security.
What Causes 'Page with Redirect'?
- HTTP to HTTPS Redirection: If your website has moved from a non-secure (HTTP) to a secure (HTTPS) protocol, Google will record this as a redirect.
- URL Structure Changes: Any change in the URL structure of your website can lead to pages being redirected.
- Canonical Tags: Google may also list pages as redirects if there are canonical tags declared, indicating preferred URLs.
Is This a Problem?
Redirects, especially from HTTP to HTTPS, are not inherently problematic. They are usually beneficial since they guide search engines and users to secure versions of pages. However, improper redirection can affect your website's SEO and user experience.
Addressing 'Page with Redirect' in Google Search Console
Step 1: Verify Your HTTPS Setup
The first step is to ensure that your HTTPS setup is working correctly:
- SSL Certificate: Make sure your SSL certificate is active and correctly configured. Shopify provides SSL for your store, so check your settings under Online Store > Domains.
- Redirect Functionality: Test the redirection manually by typing the HTTP version of your URL in the browser to confirm it redirects to HTTPS.
Step 2: Check and Set Canonical URLs
Proper use of canonical tags helps Google understand which version of a URL to index:
- Ensure that your homepage and significant pages have the correct canonical tags pointing to their HTTPS versions.
- Use Shopify's features to set these tags without modifying the code manually.
Step 3: Update Sitemaps
Keep your site's sitemaps updated so Google can crawl and index the correct URLs:
- Re-submit your sitemap to Google Search Console with updated URLs.
- Ensure all links in the sitemap are HTTPS.
Step 4: Monitor Google Search Console
Continuous monitoring helps in identifying issues early:
- Regularly check the 'Coverage' report in Google Search Console for any irregularities.
- Address any errors or warnings promptly to maintain your website's health.
Best Practices for SEO Optimization in Shopify
- Use Permanent (301) Redirects: For any URL changes, ensure you use 301 redirects as they pass on the majority of SEO value from the old URL to the new.
- Eliminate Unnecessary Redirects: Keep your redirect chains short and eliminate loops to improve load times and search rankings.
- Regularly Review Redirects: Periodically review your redirects to ensure they still make sense in the context of your site's structure and content.
Common Questions about Redirects
Q1: Will HTTP to HTTPS redirects affect my site speed?
Yes, but minimally. While there is a slight delay when redirecting, the security benefits of HTTPS far outweigh the insignificant delay, and HTTP/2 can mitigate these effects further.
Q2: Can redirects cause duplicate content issues?
Not usually, but it's essential to ensure redirects point to unique, canonical pages to avoid duplication concerns in Google's view.
Conclusion
Dealing with 'Page with Redirect' issues in Google Search Console might initially seem challenging, but it's manageable with the right approach. By optimizing your Shopify site's redirection strategies, maintaining HTTPS compliance, and ensuring Google's understanding of your URL structure, you can protect and even enhance your site's ranking potential.
Remember, proactive monitoring and routine SEO checks are your allies in sustaining robust ecommerce performance.
