3

If I'm re-building a website that is not going to be using older image uploads, what's best practice in terms of SEO? Do I just delete the old uploads and move on or is it better to 301 them to the replacement image/most relevant image/page?

Maybe 410 Gone makes more sense?

PS; I will be removing date categorization as well.

www.example.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/oldimagename.jpg

www.example.com/wp-content/uploads/newimagename.jpg

Improve this question
6
  • Doesn't the answer depend on whether you want these still to be indexed?
    – Rohit Gupta
    Commented Oct 17, 2022 at 19:46
  • @RohitGupta I'd want the old images to eventually not exist and not be indexed.
    – Sev
    Commented Oct 17, 2022 at 19:49
  • Then I would go for 401, but you do have to remove references to them on other pages (or mark them as nofollow)
    – Rohit Gupta
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 1:25
  • @RohitGupta Got it. And yes, all instances of the old images are going to be removed completely. Thank you!
    – Sev
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 3:10
  • 2
    Are you worried about Google image search rankings, or just about the main web rankings for the site?
    – Stephen Ostermiller ♦
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 6:40

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

Removing images that are no longer being used on your website should normally not be a problem. The only cases that I would not delete them are:

  1. If they are being used by Google (if Google is relating these images to your website or your brand) or
  2. If these images are bein used as backlinks from other web pages
Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.