Orphan pages are web pages with no internal links from other pages on the same website.
In practice, this means that these pages are difficult to access for both users and search engine robots. This can negatively affect SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and website usability.
Problems caused by Orphan Pages
Negative impact of orphan pages on SEO
Orphan pages can significantly affect your website’s search results. These pages have no internal links, so search engine robots may not be able to find and index them. This means these pages will not appear in search results, limiting the website’s overall visibility.
Negative impact on UX
Orphan pages can cause problems for users who cannot easily find them when browsing the site. This can lead to frustration and lower overall satisfaction with the site.
Decreased conversions and loss of potential customers
If important pages, such as product, service, or contact form pages, are orphaned, potential customers may not be able to find them. This can lead to decreased conversions and loss of potential customers.
What are the causes of orphan pages?
Changes in website structure
When creating new pages or redesigning existing ones, it is often forgotten to update the internal links pointing to them. As a result, new pages may remain orphaned if they are not included in the existing navigation.
Technical issues
Sometimes, technical issues, such as poor content management system (CMS) configurations, can lead to orphan pages. For example, pages may be created but not added to the navigation menu.
Outdated sitemaps
If the sitemap is not updated regularly, new pages may not be included, making them difficult to find for both users and search engine robots.
How can we find orphan pages on our website?
You can search the site manually, but for larger sites, this will be highly time-consuming.
The best tool for finding orphan pages is Screaming Frog SEO Spider. This popular SEO audit tool can scan your entire website and identify pages without internal links. This allows you to search your internal link structure and thoroughly detect orphan pages. All this is available in a highly convenient form, accessible with just a few clicks and exportable to Excel spreadsheets.
How to prevent orphan pages from forming?
Regular website audits
Regular reviews and SEO audits of your website enable early detection and remediation of orphan pages. Regularly using tools such as the Screaming Frog SEO Spider or Google Search Console is crucial.
Update your sitemap
Make sure your sitemap is always up to date and includes all existing pages. Automatic sitemap generation by CMS can keep it up to date.
Creating and maintaining an internal link structure
The basis for solving the orphan page problem is a well-organized internal linking structure on the website. A well-planned strategy helps to ensure that no page is orphaned.
Navigation and menus
Make sure that all important pages are accessible from the main navigation menu, the footer, or other sections of the site. A clear, logical navigation structure will help users and search engine robots easily access all pages.
Summary
Orphan pages are a significant problem that can negatively impact SEO and website usability. Regular audits, sitemap updates, attention to internal links, and proper redirects are key steps that help prevent orphan pages from forming. Proper content management and site structure are essential to ensure that every page is accessible and valuable to both users and search engines.
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