How do you redirect old links indexed in google?

If there are links from your old site that show errors on google that aren't for anything specific do you think you can 301 redirect to any page?


Wondering cause it seems like having no errors there would be better but there are some random links that are to an old picture link or top ten products on the old site, etc. Is it fair game to link some pages to a random one on your site if there's nothing specific for the other links?

REALLY good question.

I am of several minds.

1) Great opportunity to "craft" a backlink profile focused on a particular keyword. Take a generic link with anchor text "website" and turn it instead into "cast iron skillets"

2) Semantic context. If the text surrounding the old backlink is about "bermuda grass", "growing grass", "lawn maintainence" and "lawn mowers" and you forward that link (with anchor text "click here" to a site about kitchen cookware, does the link's value diminish? I think so.

It might have to be decided on a link-by-link basis. Maybe sometimes you can get away with stuff, and sometimes you can't. I'm just throwing stuff at the wall here, to see if it sticks. I'd be real interested in reading the opinions of others.

Hi Web Genius,

Quick Question, when you say "show error on google that aren't for anything specific"
Does that mean that the hyperlink that google is directing to searchers/consumers is inactive/not existing anymore. Shouldn't the spiders detect this relatively quickly and remove your dead link from the search results?

What do you mean, aren't for anything specific?

If you have the time, Thanks ..

If you using wordpress you can install "404 redirection" or link juice keeper to redirect those pages with 404 to homepage.

hardcorebiker said:

If you using wordpress you can install "404 redirection" or link juice keeper to redirect those pages with 404 to homepage.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, wordpress says it hasnt been updated in 2 years for link juice keeper plugin, have you had recent success with it?

jononaquest said:

Thanks for the tip, wordpress says it hasnt been updated in 2 years for link juice keeper plugin, have you had recent success with it?

Click to expand...

Link juice keeper isn't updated so you can go with 404 redirection. Its updated and has good reviews.

Good luck