When Search Console reports Soft 404 errors for pages that actually work, it is confusing. Basically, Google detects a Soft 404 when a page returns HTTP status code 200 but looks like an error page content-wise. However, this does not only affect empty pages. Therefore, you should analyze the affected URLs.

What a Soft 404 Error in Search Console Means

A Soft 404 occurs when Google classifies a page as empty or irrelevant even though it is technically reachable. Basically, Google expects the corresponding HTTP status code for a real 404 error. However, some pages deliver a 200 status with little content. Moreover, indexing problems can be related to Soft 404. Furthermore, this frequently affects search result pages or empty categories.

How to Fix Soft 404 Errors in Search Console

Check each affected URL individually. Basically, there are three approaches: add content, set a real 404 status code, or exclude the page via noindex. Furthermore, the Google documentation on Soft 404 recommends checking the page’s content. Additionally, you should fill empty category pages with relevant content.

Our Recommendation

Analyze all Soft 404 reports in Search Console and categorize the affected URLs. Basically, pages with real content should be enriched so Google no longer classifies them as Soft 404. Additionally, we recommend giving actually non-existent pages a real 404 status code. Furthermore, you can remove superfluous pages from the index via noindex. However, you should never simply delete valuable URLs.

Conclusion

Soft 404 errors indicate content weaknesses that Google detects. Basically, Search Console helps identify all affected URLs. Furthermore, a professional SEO strategy supports filling every page with valuable content.