Removing a Page « Ask Cricket

Removing a Page

Posted on: 11-3-2005 Posted in: SEO Techniques Questions

Hi Cricket!

When I discontinue a product, what is the best way to handle the now-obsolete page? I have a custom 404, but I wondered if there is a preferred way of doing it.

If I am replacing the product with a somewhat similar one, is there any advantage to keeping the page but replacing the content with the new product?

Kelly Feibes, Lexington, KY
Primarily Practical Knits

Hi Kelly!

Whenever possible I try to find a way to keep using the page, especially if it already has Google PageRank (PR). Sometimes the page can even be used as an article with a new title that will work with the file name. The advantage being that you already have a head start with the page being indexed along with the PR.

If I am unable to use the page, I remove it from all navigation on my site. At that point if there is a similar page, I am likely to use a 301 permanent redirect to that page. At the very least I make sure I have a custom 404 error page that will point visitors in the right direction.

I WILL DEFINITELY SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

J. Cricket Walker