4. If redirects are a problem
There are a few scenarios where redirects become a problem.
302 redirects: If your 302 redirects are truly meant to be temporary (meaning less than a month or so), you can keep them. However, eventually, Google treats 302 redirects as 301 permanent redirects. When this happens, it can negatively impact rankings.
Too many redirects: If you notice redirect chains or loops, meaning URL A goes to URL B, then URL C, to get to its final destination of URL D, you will want to go back and create redirects for URL A, B, and C to point to the final destination of URL D.
Redirecting vital pages: If you accidentally redirected an important page, remove the redirect to avoid losing visibility in the SERPs.
5. Audit your XML sitemap
Always remember to double-check your XML sitemap. You want to ensure there are no redirects listed in the XML sitemap.
If redirects are listed in the XML sitemap, remove them.
Also, make sure the page you redirected the old URL to is listed in the XML sitemap.
You can filter submitted and unsubmitted pages from your XML sitemap in Google Search Console.
If you filter by submitted pages and see a list of URLs, you’ll want to remove these URLs from your XML sitemap if the redirect is accurate.
At the core of your “Page with redirect” error in Google Search Console lies a simple solution: taking a more mindful approach to your redirects and canonical tags. That’s it.
But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy.
I run quarterly audits to review all canonical tags and redirect pages to ensure I follow proper protocol and the directives act as I want.
Plus, it’s a good habit. The fact that you’re adjusting canonical tags and implementing redirects is already a win in my book.
Even with that solid win, you, like many of us SEO professionals, still have room for improvement.
There’s nothing to fear with the ‘Page with redirect’ error in Google Search Console
Let’s be real: I’m not running to worship at the Google Gods alter to fix my “Page with redirect” error report in Google Search Console.
Nine times out of 10, there’s no action I need to take. However, moments of awe-inspiring glory have shed light on a URL that was not meant to be redirected.
The “Page with redirect” error report in Google Search Console has become a staple in my monthly SEO checklist routine.
If you have access to Google Search Console, you’re in the know now. You’re part of a community where holistic, clean, and effective SEO work is gospel.
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