Common Technical SEO Errors and How to Fix Them

A well-optimized website requires not only excellent content but also a solid technical foundation. Technical SEO ensures that search engines and users can easily access the content of a website. Even small errors, however, can have a significant impact on performance. Here, you will learn about common problems and how to fix them efficiently.

What Does Technical SEO Mean?

Technische Suchmaschinenoptimierung (SEO) ist entscheidend dafür, dass Ihre Webseite reibungslos funktioniert und von Suchmaschinen richtig erfasst wird. Dazu gehört unter anderem, dass Ihre Seiten schnell laden, auf mobilen Geräten einwandfrei dargestellt werden und problemlos von Google & Co. durchsucht werden können.

Indem wir die technischen Grundlagen Ihrer Webseite verbessern, erhöhen wir nicht nur Ihre Platzierung in den Suchergebnissen, sondern sorgen auch für ein besseres Erlebnis für Ihre Besucher – was wiederum zu mehr Interaktionen und höheren Verkaufszahlen führen kann.

Gerade wenn Sie sich mit dem Thema noch nicht intensiv beschäftigt haben, kann der Einstieg in die technische Suchmaschinenoptimierung herausfordernd sein. In solchen Fällen lohnt sich die Zusammenarbeit mit einer erfahrenen Suchmaschinenoptimierung Agentur, die genau weiss, worauf es ankommt und Sie Schritt für Schritt begleitet.

Als professionelle Digitale Marketing Agentur veröffentlichen wir regelmässig hilfreiche Beiträge rund um das Thema SEO – darunter technische Optimierungen, Massnahmen auf der Website selbst (On-Page-SEO) und Strategien ausserhalb der Webseite (Off-Page-SEO). Unser Ziel ist es, Ihnen dabei zu helfen, eine stabile und zukunftssichere Online-Präsenz aufzubauen.

Common Technical SEO Errors

1. Slow Website Loading Speed

A slow website not only frustrates users but also directly negatively impacts rankings. Google has made loading speed a ranking factor and even a delay of one second can lead to a significant drop in conversions and user retention.

Why It Happens:

• Large image files.
• Non-optimized JavaScript or CSS code.
• Poor server performance.

How to Fix It:

• Use tools like TinyPNG to reduce image sizes.
• Minimize and combine CSS and JavaScript files.
• Invest in a fast and reliable hosting provider.
• Use caching solutions to improve loading times for returning visitors.

2. Broken Links

Broken links impair user experience and reduce the credibility of your website with search engines. They also waste valuable link equity that could be passed on to other pages.

Why It Happens:

• Deleted pages.
• Outdated URLs.
• Typos in links.

How to Fix It:

• Use tools like Screaming Frog to find broken links.
• Replace or update broken links with current URLs.
• Implement 301 redirects for permanently removed pages.

3. Non-Responsive Web Design

Since more than 50% of web traffic is generated via mobile devices, responsive design is crucial for user experience and SEO.

Why It Happens:

• Outdated themes or frameworks.
• Lack of testing on different devices.

How to Fix It:

• Use mobile-responsive themes or frameworks like Bootstrap.
• Test your website’s performance on various devices with tools like Google Mobile-Friendly Test.
• Optimize loading speed for mobile devices using AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages).

4. Faulty XML Sitemap Structure

An XML sitemap helps search engines crawl your website efficiently. Without a functional sitemap, important pages might be overlooked, leading to reduced visibility.

Why It Happens:

• Outdated sitemaps.
• Missing or incorrect integration of new pages.

How to Fix It:

• Use plugins like Yoast SEO to create an XML sitemap.
• Submit your sitemap via Google Search Console. Google Search Console ein.
• Regularly update and review your sitemap to ensure accuracy.

5. Problems with Duplicate Content

Duplicate content confuses search engines about which version to rank, leading to ranking losses and keyword cannibalization.

Why It Happens:

• URL variations (e.g., with and without "www").
• Copied or syndicated content.

How to Fix It:

• Use canonical tags to indicate the preferred page version.
• Use 301 redirects to consolidate duplicate URLs.
• Check your website with tools like Siteliner to identify and fix duplicate content.

Advanced Technical SEO Issues

6. Missing Structured Data

Structured data provides search engines with additional context, allowing them to display enhanced results like FAQs, reviews, or recipes.

Why It Happens:

• Lack of knowledge about schema markup.
• No tools for implementing structured data.

How to Fix It:

• Use tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper.
• Test your implementation with the Rich Results Test.
• Add structured data to important pages like products, blogs, and FAQs.

7. Untidy URL Structures

SEO-friendly URLs are short, descriptive, and include relevant keywords. Long or confusing URLs can reduce user trust and make it harder for search engines to interpret them.

Why It Happens:

• Use of default URLs generated by the CMS.
• Inclusion of unnecessary parameters in URLs.

How to Fix It:

• Create clean URLs, e.g., “yourwebsite.com/technical-seo-tips.”
• Avoid using numbers or symbols in URLs.
• Redirect outdated URLs with 301 redirects to their updated versions.

8. Incorrect Use of robots.txt

The robots.txt file informs search engines which pages should be crawled and indexed. Misconfigurations can lead to important pages being accidentally blocked.

Why It Happens:

• Key areas are accidentally blocked.
• Incorrect use of "Disallow" commands.

How to Fix It:

• Check your robots.txt file for errors using tools like Screaming Frog.
• Block only pages that should remain private (e.g., admin sections).
• Ensure critical pages, like your homepage and blog, are crawlable.

9. Missing HTTPS Security

Google favors HTTPS websites because they offer better security and trust. Sites still using HTTP risk being labeled as "not secure."

Why It Happens:

• No SSL certificate was installed.

How to Fix It:

• Purchase and install an SSL certificate on your server.
• Redirect all HTTP pages to HTTPS.
• Renew the certificate regularly and test your site for vulnerabilities.

How to Perform a Technical SEO Audit

Tools for Technical SEO Analysis

To identify and fix technical SEO issues, you need reliable tools. Here are some key ones:

• Google Search Console: Detect crawl and indexing errors.
• Screaming Frog: Identify broken links, duplicate content, and on-page SEO issues.
• Ahrefs: Monitor backlinks and conduct website audits.
• GTmetrix: Assess website loading speed and performance.

Step-by-Step Guide for Technical SEO Analysis

1. Crawl Your Website: Use tools to find broken links, duplicate content, and missing meta tags.
2. Check Indexing: Ensure all important pages are indexed in the Google Search Console.
3. Analyze Speed: Use PageSpeed Insights to detect speed issues and get actionable solutions.
4. Evaluate Mobile Friendliness: Test your site with the Mobile-Friendly Test to ensure responsiveness.
5. Review Security Protocols: Check for HTTPS issues and renew SSL certificates as needed.

Technisches SEO kann schnell komplex werden – insbesondere, wenn Sie gleichzeitig den Launch eines neuen Produkts vorbereiten, ein kleines Team führen oder das Wachstum Ihres Unternehmens vorantreiben möchten.

Gerade für Start-ups und wachsende Unternehmen ist Zeit ein kostbares Gut. Sich intensiv mit technischen SEO-Details zu beschäftigen, kann wertvolle Ressourcen binden, die Sie besser in Ihr Kerngeschäft investieren würden.

Wenn Sie die technische Suchmaschinenoptimierung lieber in erfahrene Hände geben möchten, ist es sinnvoll, mit einer vertrauenswürdigen Suchmaschinenoptimierung Agentur zusammenzuarbeiten, die sich mit den technischen Feinheiten bestens auskennt und Ihnen diese Aufgabe vollständig abnimmt.

Tips to Avoid Technical SEO Mistakes

1. Monitor Your Website Regularly: Conduct monthly audits to catch and fix issues early.
2. Stay Updated: Follow industry leaders and Google updates to stay informed about best practices.
3. Prioritize User Experience: A technically sound website is easy to navigate, fast, and secure.
4. Invest in Reliable Hosting: A fast server is crucial for optimal website performance.
5. Implement Regular Backups: Ensure you can quickly restore your site if an update causes errors.

Conclusion

Technical SEO is the foundation of a well-optimized website. By addressing common issues such as slow load times, broken links, or missing structured data, you create a strong base for improved search engine rankings and a better user experience. Regular audits, adherence to current best practices, and the use of appropriate tools are essential for maintaining your website's health. Remember, technical SEO isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process to keep your site competitive and accessible.

FAQs:

What role does technical SEO play in rankings?

Technical SEO ensures that search engines can efficiently crawl, index, and rank your site, directly influencing your search rankings.

How do I fix duplicate content issues?

Use canonical tags, implement 301 redirects, and consolidate similar pages to eliminate duplicate content.

Why is mobile responsiveness important for SEO?

Mobile responsiveness ensures a seamless user experience on all devices and is a crucial ranking factor in Google’s algorithm.

How often should I perform a technical SEO analysis?

Conduct a technical SEO audit every 3–6 months or after major website updates.

What is the difference between On-Page SEO and Technical SEO?

• On-Page SEO: Optimizing visible elements like content, keywords, and meta tags to improve rankings.
• Technical SEO: Backend optimizations like load speed, crawlability, and mobile usability to ensure search engines can efficiently access and index your site.
  Both are critical for a successful SEO strategy.