What is the 410 Gone Error?
The 410 Gone is an HTTP status code returned by the web server when the client (a browser or a web crawler) requests a resource that is no longer available at the requested address. It is one of the so-called “client errors,” meaning that the error is on the client side, not on the server.
How It Differs from a 404 Error
Unlike the 404 Not Found response code that can be shown for non-existing or mistyped URLs, the 410 code indicates that the resource was in use but is no longer available and will not be available again at the requested address.
- 404 Error Indicates that the server cannot find the requested resource. This can happen due to mistyped URLs, deleted pages, or broken links. It’s often used for temporary issues.
- 410 Error Indicates that the resource is permanently gone and will not be available again. This provides a clear signal to search engines that the page should be removed from the index immediately.
Impact on Users and Search Engines
For website visitors, the 410 error means that the webpage was deleted and, generally, is no different from the 404 error. However, for search engines, the 410 status code is more definitive.
- User Experience Visitors will see a message indicating that the page is no longer available, which can be customized to provide more context or suggest alternative content.
- Search Engines The 410 status code tells search engines like Google that the page is permanently gone. While Google might wait around 24 hours before removing a 404 page from the index, 410 pages can be removed instantly after crawling.
When to Use 404 vs. 410 for Deleted Pages
Deciding whether to use a 404 or 410 status code depends on the permanence of the page's removal:
- Use a 404 Error If a page is temporarily unavailable or if you plan to replace it with another page soon, use a 404 status code. This indicates that the resource might be back and gives search engines a chance to reindex it later.
- Use a 410 Error If a page is permanently removed and you have no intention of replacing it or redirecting users to another page, use a 410 status code. This signals to search engines that they should remove the page from their index immediately.
Advice from Google
Here’s what Matt Cutts from Google said in one of the webmaster help videos:
"If a page is gone and you think it’s temporary, go ahead and use a 404. If the page is gone and you know no other page that should substitute for it, you don’t have anywhere else that you should point to, and you know that that page is going to be gone and never come back, then go ahead and serve a 410."
Best Practices for Handling 410 Errors
- Customize Error Messages Provide a user-friendly message that explains why the page is gone and suggests alternative content or actions.
- Monitor and Update Links Regularly check your site for broken links and update them to point to relevant content or set up proper redirects.
- Use Webmaster Tools Platforms like Google Search Console can help you track and manage 404 and 410 errors on your site.
For more detailed information on HTTP status codes and best practices for web performance, refer to authoritative sources such as Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) and Google's Web Fundamentals.
