A recent discussion on the r/SEO Reddit forum provided insight from Google Search Advocate John Mueller regarding website penalties and the use of HTTP status codes.
Mueller addressed questions raised by a website owner who had previously used AI to generate content for his video game guide website.
After removing approximately 200 AI-generated pages due to concerns, the owner asked for advice on recovery.
The conversation led to a discussion about the nuances of HTTP status codes 404 and 410, which indicate web pages that are missing or have been permanently removed.
Mueller’s responses clarified Google’s position, emphasizing practical considerations over theoretical differences in SEO.
The website owner supports the creation of AI content
The conversation started when a website owner admitted to using AI technologies like GPT to generate content for older games on his long-standing game guide website.
The site owner confessed
“I tried to see if I could get GPT to write game guides for older games that I haven’t played, just to add content to the site and leverage the authority the site had.”
After a brief period of success, concerns arose, leading to the removal of around 200 AI-generated pages.
As they face the repercussions, they ask:
“I wonder if that has usually been enough for others to see some recovery?”
Addressing 404 status codes
A Reddit user suggested that the site could face penalties due to 404 status codes, which indicate that a web page cannot be found.
However, Mueller quickly clarified the situation:
“Google doesn’t penalize 404s (but these pages are removed from the index).”
404 vs. Status Codes 410
A follow-up question was asked about the potential impact of using a 410 status code, which indicates that a resource is permanently gone, versus a 404.
Mueller’s confirms that the differences are negligible in terms of SEO:
“Do not care. The difference in 404 vs 410 processing is so minimal that I can’t think of a time when I would prefer one over the other for SEO purposes.”
He acknowledged the theoretical correctness of using the appropriate status code, but says practical considerations take precedence.
A joyful closure
Acknowledging the widespread attention his comments would likely receive, Mueller concluded his response with a touch of humor:
“And I realize that writing this now will trigger another cycle of unnecessary attention, or is it really unnecessary? Hi Mom. I’d like to thank the academy for the honor of being here. Support the group of SEO Women in Tech Floss.”
Why SEJ cares
With March’s core update still underway, Mueller’s insights provide valuable guidance for navigating potential downgrades and ensuring compliance with best practices.
Mueller’s comments on HTTP status codes provide a pragmatic approach to handling missing or removed web pages.
With this knowledge, SEO professionals can make more informed decisions.
How this can help you
Mueller’s advice is a starting point for those facing similar situations.
By following best practices and addressing potential issues quickly, website owners can work to regain their search engine visibility.
FAQ
How does Google view HTTP status codes 404 and 410 in terms of SEO?
Google’s position on HTTP status codes 404 and 410 is that they are treated similarly with minimal differences in SEO impact.
These codes tell Google that a page is missing (404) or has been permanently removed (410) and as such the pages will be removed from the index, but these responses do not result in penalties.
Understanding these distinctions allows SEO professionals to manage missing content appropriately without fear of negative SEO repercussions.
Are there negative ramifications to using AI to create content on websites?
While not inherently penalized, AI-generated content must meet quality guidelines, as low-quality content can negatively impact a site’s SEO.
Recovery from the removal of such content depends on several factors, including adherence to best practices and the quality of the remaining content.
Genuine and value-based content tends to be favored in search rankings.
Can removing low quality or non-compliant content lead to search ranking recovery?
Removing low-quality or non-compliant content is often a step toward recovery in search rankings because it aligns with Google’s emphasis on high-quality, relevant information.
However, the recovery process can also depend on factors such as creating valuable content, overall site performance, and adherence to SEO best practices.
Featured image: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock
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