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January 29, 2020
How to Set up Robots.txt and a Custom 404 Page

Introduction

Think about a circus full of bustling activity and life. But in this circus, you’re the ringmaster, and you need to guide your performers, aka search engines, to put on the best show. Here’s where the mighty performers called robot.txt and 404 page come in. These little performers help you create a seamless show by directing search engines where to go and keeping your audience entertained even when things go wrong. So, let’s dive into the magical circus of SEO.

The Magic Wand: The Importance of Robot.txt

In our circus, robot.txt is like the magic wand you use to direct your performers. It tells search engines which parts of your website to visit and which ones to skip. Even if you don’t have any areas off-limits, an empty robot.txt file is like telling your performers that they’re free to explore the entire circus.

The Grand Entrance: Setting Up a Robot.txt File

Here’s how you can create your magic wand, the robot.txt file. Picture this like a secret code that only your performers understand.

1. Open a new word file – a plain, simple notepad works just fine – and save it as robots (all lowercase) with a .txt extension.

2. Add these lines:

* User-agent: Googlebot
* Disallow: /Googlebot/
* User-agent: *
* Allow: /
* Sitemap: http://www.example.com/sitemap.xml

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This is like the script for your performers. For instance, ‘Disallow: /Googlebot/’ is like telling the Googlebot to stay away from a certain part of your circus.

3. Now, put this file in the root directory of your website. Think of this like placing your magic wand in the centre of your circus where all performers can see it.

4. Lastly, double-check the file to ensure it doesn’t have any errors.

The Clown: The Importance of a 404 Page

What happens when a trick fails or a performer stumbles in the circus? The clown comes in to lighten the mood! A 404 page is like that clown, turning an error into a chance to entertain your visitors and guide them back to the main show.

The Laugh Track: Setting Up a 404 Page

Creating a 404 page is like rehearsing a clown’s routine. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a page using your favourite HTML editor. This is like planning the clown’s act.

2. Copy the HTML code. This is like learning the steps of the clown’s routine.

3. Edit the page with clear instructions, a friendly message, and a way for visitors to get back on track or get in touch. This is like practicing the clown’s act.

4. Save the page as 404.html. This is like finalizing the clown’s routine.

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5. Finally, put the page on your website and upload the 404.html file to the server. This is like sending the clown out to perform when something goes wrong.

The Grand Finale: Wrap Up

Voila! You now know how to wield the magic wand of robot.txt and create a funny clown act with a 404 page. Just like a well-run circus, a well-optimized website attracts more visitors and gives them a memorable experience. And remember, you can always learn more about SEO with these business SEO tips and local business SEO tips.

FAQs

1. Why is robot.txt important for my website?

Robot.txt is like your site’s guiding star for search engines. It tells them where they can and cannot go, helping your site get crawled effectively.

2. How can I set up a robot.txt file?

Creating a robot.txt file is like writing a map for your website. You just need to write a few lines in a .txt file and save it in your website’s root directory.

3. Why do I need a 404 page?

A 404 page is your safety net. It helps you keep visitors on your website even if they stumble upon a broken or non-existent page.

4. How can I create a 404 page?

Creating a 404 page is like designing a signpost. You can do it using an HTML editor, and remember to include a friendly message and helpful links.

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5. How can a 404 page help my SEO?

A good 404 page can turn a potential exit into further exploration. It can keep your visitors engaged, lowering bounce rates and indirectly boosting your SEO.

6. What should I include in my 404 page?

Your 404 page should contain a clear message, instructions to help users get back on track, and a way to contact the site owner.

7. How do robot.txt and a 404 page work together in SEO?

Robot.txt guides search engines on where to crawl, while a 404 page helps keep visitors on your site. They work together to enhance both user experience and search engine efficiency.

As the ringmaster of your website circus, your role is to ensure that the show goes on, despite the occasional hiccup. Always remember, “The show must go on!” In the digital world, this means ensuring your website is optimized, accessible, and engaging. Ready to make your SEO circus a grand success? Step right up and start today!


Tags

404 Page, How to set up a 404 page?, how to set up robots txt, How to Setup a robot.txt file on your website?, Now, Verdict


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