If you are an SEO expert or content editor, you should know how to effectively remove outdated or penalized content links using the 410 Gone HTTP code. While we know the 404 issues, we should not always use 404; instead, we should use 410. Why is it more critical to permanently remove links with the 410 code than other HTTP codes like 404?
Through this article, let’s understand what 410 Gone means.
Before diving into 410 Gone, let’s briefly overview HTTP status codes. When you visit a website, your browser sends a request to the server where the website is hosted. The server then responds with a status code, which tells your browser how to handle the response.
What is 410 Gone?
The 410 Gone status code indicates that the resource (webpage, file, etc.) you are trying to access was intentionally removed from the server and gone for good. Unlike the 404 Not Found status, which can mean the resource is temporarily unavailable or moved, 410 Gone specifically means the resource is permanently removed.
Imagine you have a favorite restaurant in your town, and one day, you see a sign that says closed permanently. That’s similar to what a 410 Gone status code tells your browser.
Also, please read What is HTTP 451 and Its Impact on SEO
Why Use 410 Gone?
Using a 410 Gone status code has several benefits:
- Clear Communication: It communicates to search engines and users that the page or resource is permanently gone.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google will eventually stop trying to index the removed page, which helps clean up search engine results.
- User Experience: It avoids confusion for users by letting them know that the resource is intentionally removed and not just missing temporarily.
How to Implement 410 Gone
Here’s a simple guide on how to use the 410 Gone status code effectively:
Web Server Configuration:
- If you control your web server, you can set up rules to return a 410 Gone status code for specific URLs. This can be done through configuration files like .htaccess (for Apache servers) or server-side scripting.
For an Apache server, you might add something like this to your .htaccess file:
Apache
Redirect 410 /old-page.html
- This tells the server to return a 410 Gone status for the URL /old-page.html.
Using Server-Side Scripting:
- You can send a 410 Gone status code directly in your scripts using a language like PHP. Here’s an example:
<?php
header(HTTP/1.1 410 Gone);
echo This page is gone.;
exit();
?>
- This code tells the server to send a 410 Gone response whenever the script is accessed.
Content Management Systems (CMS):
- Many CMS platforms, like WordPress, have plugins or settings that allow you to manage HTTP status codes without touching code. Look for SEO or redirection plugins that support 410 Gone.
Conclusion
The 410 Gone status code is a powerful tool for webmasters to manage their websites effectively. It communicates clearly to users and search engines that a resource has been permanently removed, improving user experience and indexing. By understanding and implementing 410 Gone correctly, you can maintain a clean and user-friendly website.
