How to remove data from Google’s cache

Posted on March 21, 2008 by timethief

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googleblogsearch.gifHelp! I have deleted a page, post, image or blog but it still appears in Google blog searches.

How can I get Google to remove my deleted file (page or image) from their cache?

The URL Removal Tool
If you have deleted a web page or an image and it has been removed from the server and, the URL returns a 404 page not found error, then you can request Google to remove the page from their indexed cache. Remember the URL of the page to be removed must return a 404 error otherwise this tool will not work.

Use the URL removal tool to request that information be removed from Google Web Search and Image Search results. You can use this tool to request the following types of removals:

  • Remove outdated or missing webpages.
  • Remove information or images.
  • Report inappropriate content appearing in SafeSearch filtered results.

Google will investigate and provide an update on the status of your request as soon as possible. Removals that are processed through this tool are excluded form Google search results for six months.

Blogging tips

  1. Locate the URL of the page you’d be like to be removed from Google’s search results.
  2. Verify that the URL returns a 404 – not found error message.
  3. If you don’t already have one, then set up a Google account and a Webmaster Tools account.
  4. Sign into your Google account and go to this URL and follow the instructions – Removing my own content from Google. See also How do I use the webpage removal request tool?

Related posts:
Matt Cutt’s Whitehat SEO Tips for Bloggers: WordCamp 2007
How to structure a reader and search engine friendly blog
WordPress: How to Maintain and Track Links
Improving your Google Page Rank
Technorati: The Six Month Link Window
How to: Google site verification
Promote Your Blog: Increase Traffic
WordPress.com Beginner’s Guide


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