Addressing Google Search Console Issues: A Guide to Cleanup

Navigating the complexities of Google Search Console (GSC) can be daunting, especially when faced with a high volume of errors like 404s, soft 404s, and crawled pages that are currently not indexed. Recently, I discovered an alarming number of such issues in my GSC account. Upon further investigation, I realized that many of these problematic URLs originated from a previous site owner and do not align with my current niche or target audience.

This situation raises a couple of significant concerns: first, the potential impact on our website’s crawl budget, and second, the implications for our overall SEO performance. It is crucial to address these outdated and irrelevant URLs promptly to ensure that search engines focus on the content that truly represents our site.

I am exploring the most effective strategies for remedying this situation without inadvertently causing further issues. One approach I’m considering is submitting a new sitemap to Google. This could help redirect crawling efforts toward the appropriate pages, allowing for a more efficient indexing process.

However, I’m aware that simply making changes might not be enough. If you’ve navigated a similar experience, I would greatly appreciate your insights and any recommendations you might have on best practices for addressing these GSC errors. Your expertise could help ensure that our efforts lead to a healthier and more visible online presence. Thank you in advance for your advice!

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