Websites accumulate outdated, thin and duplicate pages over the years. Pruning them can make your best content easier for Google and visitors to find.
Find candidates
- Pages with no traffic or impressions for a year.
- Thin pages with little useful content.
- Outdated news, offers and events.
- Near-duplicate pages.
Decide for each
| Action | When |
|---|---|
| Improve | The topic matters but the page is weak |
| Merge and redirect | Several pages cover the same topic |
| Delete and redirect | Obsolete but has links or traffic |
| Delete (410/404) | No value, no links, no traffic |
| Noindex | Needed for users but not for search |
Create redirects with our redirect generator.
Be careful
Check links and conversions before deleting. Some low-traffic pages still bring enquiries.
Measure
Compare organic traffic before and after with our percentage change calculator.
Read refreshing old content.
Want the full picture? This article is part of SEO: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
