Multiple Home Page URL's Affecting PR

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by mrhodus, Feb 2, 2008.

  1. #1
    I noticed today that my home page has three different URLs.
    www.markrhodus.com/
    www.markrhodus.com/home.html
    www.markrhodus.com/index.html

    Is my home page PR being divided between the three pages? At some point I must of had my home page @ /home.html and @ /index.html. I have my "404 page not found" set to redirect to my home page. Should I change this setting?

    I only noticed this when I typed in the full URL of each address and one of the URLs showed a lower PR than the others.

    How can I fix this?

    Thanks in advance
     
    mrhodus, Feb 2, 2008 IP
  2. mickmel

    mickmel Peon

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    #2
    You want to do a 301 redirect. Pick the one with the highest current PageRank and redirect the others to it. The exact syntax varies from server to server, but is usually done inside of your .htaccess file.

    Also, be sure all of your internal links point to the primary file that you choose.

    As for your 404, I'd change that. Right now it has two problems:

    1 - It's useless.
    2 - You run the risk of duplicate content penalties from Google.

    Suppose someone links me here:
    http://www.markrhodus.com/directions.htm

    It looks like a legit page to me -- I have no idea that it's really a 404. Build a proper 404 with contact information and a link back to your main page. Here is an example of a 404 page on one of my sites:
    http://www.mtbethel.org/brokenlink.htm

    Hope that helps.
     
    mickmel, Feb 2, 2008 IP
  3. angilina

    angilina Notable Member

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    #3
    the 1 and 3rd are the same, but there is no need for the second one. u need to have only one home page
     
    angilina, Feb 2, 2008 IP