The “410 Gone” error is an HTTP status code that indicates a permanent removal of a resource from a web server. When users or search engines attempt to access a URL and receive a “410 Gone” error, it means the resource is no longer available, and the server does not expect it to return in the future.
In this guide, we will explore what the “410 Gone” error is, how it differs from other HTTP status codes like “404 Not Found,” what causes it, its impact on SEO, and how to fix it.
What Is the “410 Gone” Error?
The 410 Gone error is part of the HTTP response status codes, specifically in the 4xx client error category, which generally indicates that there is something wrong with the request from the client (e.g., a browser or search engine). Unlike the more common 404 Not Found error, which indicates that a page or resource could be temporarily missing, the 410 Gone error signifies a permanent removal of the requested resource.
When a web server returns a “410 Gone” error, it tells the browser or user that the resource was intentionally removed and is no longer accessible.
Key Characteristics of the 410 Gone Error
- Permanent Removal: The resource (page, file, image, etc.) has been permanently deleted or removed from the server.
- No Redirection: Unlike a 301 redirect, which automatically forwards users to a new page, the “410 Gone” error does not offer an alternative page or resource.
- Server’s Intention: The 410 error is typically configured by the server administrator, signaling that the resource is gone by design, not by accident.
410 Gone Error vs. 404 Not Found
While the 410 Gone and 404 Not Found errors are often perceived similarly, they have key differences:
- 404 Not Found: This status code means the server could not find the requested resource, but it may or may not exist in the future. It is commonly used for temporarily missing pages, mistyped URLs, or resources that could be restored later.
- 410 Gone: This status code implies intentional and permanent removal of the resource, signaling to both users and search engines that the page will not return, and there is no use attempting to access it again.
Causes of the “410 Gone” Error
Several scenarios could trigger the “410 Gone” error:
- Intentional Removal of Content: When a website owner decides to permanently remove a page or resource and does not intend to replace or redirect it, they might configure the server to return a 410 error. This is often done for outdated or obsolete content.
- Content Deprecation: Some website administrators may intentionally remove old blog posts, product pages, or event listings that are no longer relevant and configure a “410 Gone” response to inform search engines and users.
- Manual Deletion by Webmaster: If a webmaster or developer manually deletes files from the server and sets up the server to return a 410 status code for those deleted files, this will trigger the error.
- CMS Settings: Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla can also be configured to return a “410 Gone” status for specific pages or content that has been permanently deleted.
- Page Expiration: Some web applications or e-commerce sites may have content that automatically expires after a certain date. For example, expired products or past event pages may return a 410 error to indicate their expiration.
- Misconfiguration: In rare cases, a server may be misconfigured to return a 410 status for resources that aren’t actually gone, leading to confusion.
Impact of the 410 Gone Error on SEO
The “410 Gone” error has a direct impact on SEO (Search Engine Optimization), as it signals search engines that the page should be removed from their index. Here’s how it influences your site’s SEO:
1. Page Deindexing
When search engines like Google or Bing encounter a 410 error on a page they previously indexed, they typically remove it from their search results faster than they would for a 404 error. A 410 error sends a strong signal that the page no longer exists, and search engines respect this by deindexing the page promptly.
2. No Opportunity for Recrawling
Unlike a 404 Not Found error, where search engines may continue to check if the page reappears, the 410 error tells them not to come back. This can be beneficial if you want to ensure search engines stop attempting to access outdated or irrelevant pages.
3. Link Equity Loss
Any backlinks pointing to a page that returns a 410 error may lose value because the page no longer exists. If a significant number of valuable backlinks were pointing to that page, it could affect the SEO strength of your site. In these cases, it might be better to set up a 301 redirect to preserve the link equity by directing visitors to a relevant, updated page.
4. Site Structure and User Experience
From a user experience perspective, too many “410 Gone” errors can create a bad impression. If users repeatedly encounter dead-end pages with no replacement or alternative, they may abandon your site. This can also signal to search engines that your site has a poor structure or outdated content, indirectly affecting SEO rankings.
How to Fix the “410 Gone” Error
If you encounter a “410 Gone” error, either as a webmaster or a visitor, there are several methods you can use to address the issue. Here are some common solutions:
1. Restore the Missing Page
If the page or resource should not have been deleted or is still relevant, you can fix the 410 error by restoring the content. This can be done by either:
- Reuploading the files or restoring the database entries that were deleted.
- Recreating the page on your CMS (e.g., WordPress).
Once the page is back online, the 410 error will no longer be triggered.
2. Redirect the Page (301 Redirect)
If the resource has been permanently moved or replaced by another, the best practice is to implement a 301 redirect. A 301 redirect tells both users and search engines that the page has permanently moved to a new location, and they should be directed there automatically.
For example:
- If example.com/old-page has been removed, you could set up a 301 redirect to example.com/new-page.
This is particularly useful for maintaining SEO value and avoiding broken links.
3. Remove Outdated Links
If the 410 error was triggered intentionally (e.g., for outdated content), ensure that any internal links or references to the page are removed from your website. Check for:
- Broken internal links.
- Old menu items pointing to the removed page.
- References in blog posts, product descriptions, or other areas of your site.
4. Update or Remove External Backlinks
If the page receiving a 410 error has many backlinks from other websites, you might consider contacting the webmasters of those sites to ask for:
- An update to the link, pointing it to a new or relevant page on your site.
- The removal of the link if it is no longer relevant.
5. Check for Server Misconfigurations
In some cases, the 410 error may be caused by misconfigurations on the server. Check your web server’s configuration files (e.g., .htaccess for Apache servers, or nginx.conf for Nginx servers) to ensure that the error is being triggered intentionally and not by mistake.
Conclusion
The 410 Gone error is a valuable HTTP status code that webmasters use to inform both users and search engines that a page or resource has been permanently removed. While it serves a clear purpose, especially when cleaning up old content, it’s important to manage it carefully to avoid negative impacts on SEO and user experience.
If you encounter this error on your website, consider whether the resource is truly gone for good or whether a 301 redirect or restoration would be more appropriate. By handling 410 errors properly, you can maintain the health of your site and avoid potential issues with deindexing, broken links, and poor user experience.