Wick

October 16, 2025

5 Common Crawl Errors and Fixes

Crawl errors stop search engines from accessing your website, which can hurt your online visibility and revenue. For businesses in the UAE, these issues can lead to lost traffic, fewer leads, and frustrated customers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common crawl errors and how to fix them:

• DNS Errors: Prevent search engines from reaching your site. Fix by using a reliable DNS provider and monitoring uptime.
• 404 & Soft 404 Errors: Broken or low-content pages. Resolve with 301 redirects or by improving content.
• Server Errors (5XX): Caused by server overloads. Address with hosting upgrades, CDNs, and traffic monitoring.
• Redirect Chains/Loops: Multiple or circular redirects waste crawl budget. Simplify redirects and test thoroughly.
• Robots.txt or Meta Robots Issues: Misconfigured settings block important pages. Review and update directives regularly.

These errors can harm your search rankings and user experience, especially during high-traffic events in the UAE. Regular audits, tools like Google Search Console, and local SEO expertise can help prevent and resolve these problems.

What are Crawl Errors? | How To Fix Crawl Errors? | Google Search Console Crawl Errors #crawlerrors

What Are Crawl Errors?

Crawl errors are like digital roadblocks that stop search engine bots from doing their job - accessing and indexing your website properly. Imagine these bots as little explorers navigating your site, much like a visitor wandering through a bustling shopping mall. If they hit obstacles like broken links, server errors, or restricted access, they can’t finish cataloguing your pages for search results.

When pages aren’t indexed, they’re essentially invisible to search engines. For businesses in the UAE, this could mean potential customers won’t find your products or services online. It’s like putting up a shop sign, only to hide the entrance behind a locked door.

Crawl errors generally fall into two categories, each with its own impact on your site. Knowing how these errors work can help you prioritise which ones to tackle first and use your resources wisely. Let’s break down the two types.

Site-Wide Errors

Crawl errors can be divided into site-wide and URL-specific issues. Site-wide errors affect your entire website, making it completely inaccessible to search engines. This is a serious problem that can bring your online presence to a standstill.

One common site-wide issue is DNS errors. The DNS (Domain Name System) is what directs traffic to the right server when someone enters your URL. If there’s a problem with your DNS - whether due to server downtime, network failures, or incorrect DNS settings - search engine bots can’t communicate with your site.

For example, a Dubai-based e-commerce business once faced DNS issues during a major sale. Their site became invisible to search engines at the worst possible time, leading to lost revenue in AED and frustrated customers who couldn’t complete their purchases. The company solved the problem by consulting with local SEO experts, using Google Search Console to diagnose the issue, and switching to a more reliable DNS provider.

Server overload is another common site-wide problem. Errors like HTTP 429 (Too Many Requests) occur when your server can’t handle the volume of traffic, effectively blocking both users and search engines. This is especially risky during high-traffic events like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Ramadan sales, where unprepared servers can lead to significant disruptions.

Access restrictions can also cause site-wide issues. For instance, HTTP 401 (Unauthorised) errors occur when your site requires login credentials, often due to overzealous security measures that mistakenly block search engine bots.

URL-Specific Errors

Unlike site-wide errors, URL-specific issues affect individual pages while leaving the rest of your site accessible to search engines. While less severe, these errors can still harm your visibility by keeping key pages out of search results.

One example is the infamous 404 error, which happens when a page can’t be found. This often occurs after site redesigns, product removals, or content reorganisations.

Access restrictions can also block important pages, especially if they’re gated by login credentials or excluded in your robots.txt file. Businesses sometimes unintentionally restrict access to key pages, like product categories or service descriptions, while trying to protect sensitive areas.

Broken redirects and redirect loops are another headache. A redirect loop happens when a page directs users back to the original page in an endless cycle, forcing search engine bots to abandon the crawl. These issues often crop up during site migrations or when conflicting redirect rules are set up.

Internal linking errors can also cause trouble. For instance, a "Final URL is not internal" error occurs when a link redirects to an external site instead of staying within your site’s structure. This often happens when old pages are redirected to external platforms or partner sites without considering the SEO impact.

While URL-specific errors might seem less urgent, they can still chip away at your search visibility over time - especially in competitive UAE markets. Site-wide errors, on the other hand, can cripple your online presence almost instantly. Both types need attention, but site-wide issues should be your top priority to avoid losing traffic and revenue in AED.

5 Common Crawl Errors and How to Fix Them

Based on the crawl error definitions discussed earlier, here are five major crawl issues UAE businesses often face and practical steps to resolve them.

DNS Errors

DNS errors are critical because they prevent search engines from accessing your website entirely. These issues often arise from misconfigured DNS records, server outages, or network problems, especially during high-traffic periods.

To minimise these risks, switch to a dependable DNS provider and use monitoring tools like UptimeRobot or Pingdom to track your site's uptime. These tools can alert you to problems before they affect your search rankings. Many UAE businesses also partner with hosting providers that maintain local data centres for faster resolutions and improved reliability.

Make DNS health checks a regular part of your maintenance routine. Tools like DNS Checker can confirm your DNS records are correctly configured. Additionally, having a backup DNS provider ensures minimal downtime during unexpected disruptions.

404 and Soft 404 Errors

404 errors occur when a page no longer exists, while soft 404 errors happen when a page lacks substantial content. Both errors frustrate users and waste your site's crawl budget, potentially impacting search engine performance.

A well-designed custom 404 page can direct users to relevant content or popular products, keeping them engaged and reducing bounce rates. For permanently removed pages, use 301 redirects to guide users and search engines to a suitable alternative.

Soft 404 errors often stem from thin or low-value content. Address these by either enriching the content or redirecting the page to a more relevant one. Regularly auditing your site can help you identify and resolve these issues before they accumulate.

Server Errors (5XX Errors)

Server errors, such as 500 Internal Server Error or 503 Service Unavailable, indicate that your server is unable to handle requests from users or search engines. These errors are often triggered by traffic surges, server maintenance, or insufficient hosting resources.

To tackle these issues, optimise your server's capacity and use a CDN with local nodes to handle high traffic volumes. Regularly monitor server logs and set up automated alerts to detect downtime early. Quick responses prevent search engines from flagging your site as unreliable.

Redirect Chains and Loops

Redirect chains occur when multiple redirects link the original URL to the final destination, while redirect loops trap users and bots in endless cycles. Both problems can confuse search engines and waste valuable crawl budget, potentially blocking important pages from being indexed.

These issues typically arise during site migrations or when conflicting redirect rules are implemented without proper oversight. For example, a UAE-based hotel chain upgrading its booking system might inadvertently create redirect chains leading to unnecessary intermediate pages.

Use tools like Screaming Frog to audit your redirects and identify chains with more than one hop. Simplify these chains into single 301 redirects. If you encounter redirect loops, review your .htaccess file or other redirect settings to eliminate circular references. Planning and testing your redirect strategy before implementation can prevent these problems altogether.

Robots.txt and Meta Robots Tag Issues

Misconfigured robots.txt files or meta robots tags can unintentionally block search engines from crawling crucial pages. This is particularly problematic for UAE businesses if important sections like product categories or booking systems are restricted.

For example, a hotel chain might accidentally block its reservation system, losing out on valuable organic traffic. To avoid such mishaps, review your robots.txt file monthly to ensure it only restricts access to sensitive areas like admin panels or duplicate content - not to pages that drive revenue.

For meta robots tags, use "index, follow" for pages you want search engines to crawl, and "noindex, nofollow" for pages like thank-you pages or internal search results. Google Search Console's URL Inspection Tool can help you verify that critical pages are accessible. If issues are found, update the directives immediately and request reindexing.

sbb-itb-058f46d

How to Monitor and Prevent Crawl Errors

Keeping crawl errors at bay requires ongoing attention and a proactive mindset. UAE businesses, in particular, benefit from structured strategies to address issues early and ensure their websites remain in top shape.

Using Google Search Console

Google Search Console is an essential tool for spotting and resolving crawl errors. Its features, like the Crawl Errors report and URL Inspection Tool, help identify problematic URLs and indexing challenges.

Start by verifying your site on Google Search Console. This gives you access to detailed crawl error reports and the ability to submit your sitemap, which helps Google index your key pages faster. Enable automated alerts to stay informed about any new crawl issues as they arise.

Make it a habit to review your crawl error reports weekly. Watch for sudden spikes, which can signal server problems or configuration changes. The Coverage report is particularly useful, as it highlights pages Google struggles to index, giving you a snapshot of your website's overall health.

This level of vigilance is crucial, especially in the UAE, where businesses face unique market demands. Beyond using Google Search Console, working with local experts can add another layer of security and insight to your strategy.

Working with Local Experts

Local SEO professionals bring an understanding of UAE-specific infrastructure and audience needs. For instance, Wick, a digital strategy firm, has helped local businesses by monitoring crawl error trends, fine-tuning server settings for peak seasons, and aligning systems with regional traffic patterns.

Take Forex UAE as an example: Wick developed a tailored strategy involving continuous website maintenance and SEO monitoring. This approach included tracking performance metrics to catch and address crawl errors early, ensuring smooth operations. Similarly, Hanro Gulf benefited from a comprehensive SEO strategy and analytics tracking, laying a solid foundation for digital growth in the UAE.

Local experts can also adjust server configurations to align with the UAE's internet infrastructure, create monitoring systems suited to regional traffic flows, and implement preventive measures for local search habits. For instance, during Ramadan - a high-traffic period - they might fine-tune server settings or manage crawl budgets for multilingual content in both Arabic and English.

Additionally, local specialists are well-versed in UAE-specific factors like holiday-related server downtimes, regional CDN performance, and compliance with local digital regulations. Their expertise not only ensures quick fixes for technical issues but also aligns your strategy with the UAE's unique digital landscape.

Scheduling monthly technical audits with local experts can be a game-changer. These reviews help track crawl error trends, evaluate server performance, and prepare for high-traffic events or website updates. This proactive approach prevents reactive fixes, reducing downtime and maintaining your search visibility.

Conclusion

Crawl errors might seem minor, but they can significantly impact your website's visibility and growth. In the UAE's bustling digital market, where over 80% of websites face at least one critical crawlability issue, addressing these problems is crucial.

When your site isn’t crawled properly, it becomes invisible to potential customers - a costly mistake, especially during high-demand periods like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Ramadan. Ignoring these issues can mean missing out on valuable traffic and, ultimately, revenue.

Fixing crawl errors offers measurable benefits. Websites that consistently monitor and resolve these issues can experience up to a 30% boost in organic search traffic within just three months. It’s not just about patching up problems; it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term digital success tailored to the UAE's unique market dynamics.

Wick’s Four Pillar Framework provides a comprehensive solution to this challenge. By combining technical SEO expertise with a strategic digital approach, they tackle crawl errors from every angle. Their methodology integrates website development, SEO, and continuous monitoring, ensuring crawlability issues are resolved effectively. This approach has already delivered results for UAE-based businesses like Forex UAE and Hanro Gulf, helping them establish strong digital foundations for sustained growth.

The secret lies in proactive monitoring, not reactive fixes. With 27+ years of digital marketing experience and management of 1M+ first-party data points, Wick uses a data-driven approach to spot and address potential issues before they escalate. This prevents sudden traffic dips caused by unnoticed crawl errors, keeping your online presence steady and reliable.

FAQs

How can I check if my website has crawl errors, and what tools can help me fix them?

To spot crawl errors on your website, tools like Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools are your best bet. These platforms can flag issues like 404 errors, server connectivity troubles, or blocked resources that may stop search engines from properly indexing your site.

Once you’ve pinpointed the errors, address them based on their type:

• 404 errors: Use 301 redirects to guide users from broken links to relevant, working pages.
• Server errors: Dive into your server logs or work with your hosting provider to fix downtime or configuration glitches.
• Blocked resources: Double-check your robots.txt file and meta tags to make sure they’re not accidentally blocking access to important pages.

Consistently monitoring these tools will keep your website in good shape and boost its visibility in search engine rankings.

How can I optimise my robots.txt file to avoid blocking important pages from search engines?

To keep your robots.txt file in good shape and working effectively, here are some practical tips:

• Don’t block important pages: Double-check that key pages like your homepage and vital landing pages are accessible to search engines. Accidental blocks can hurt your visibility.
• Be specific with rules: When disallowing content, use precise directives to avoid unintentionally restricting access to large sections of your site.
• Test it regularly: Tools like Google Search Console’s robots.txt Tester can help you spot and fix any issues quickly.
• Allow access to essential resources: Make sure CSS, JavaScript, and other critical assets needed for rendering your website are not blocked.

A clean and well-structured robots.txt file ensures search engines can navigate your site efficiently, keeping your most important content in the spotlight.

How can partnering with local SEO experts in the UAE help address crawl errors related to regional traffic patterns?

Collaborating with SEO specialists based in the UAE can greatly enhance your website’s performance for regional audiences. These professionals have a deep understanding of local browsing habits, user preferences, and search trends, enabling them to tailor your site to meet the specific needs of users in the UAE.

They can pinpoint and fix crawl issues linked to region-specific challenges, such as incorrect geo-targeting settings, language mismatches, or server configurations that hinder access. Additionally, they ensure your site aligns with local SEO guidelines, improving both its visibility and the overall experience for UAE-based visitors.