I have a UX problem with creating redirects for deleted products.
Being redirected to the product category without explanation. Looks like a bad UX, disappointed potential customer.
Getting slapped with a 404. Bad UX, disappointed potential customer.
Being redirected to a similar product without explanation. Bad UX, disappointed potential customer.
A product page where it says the product is unavailable, with a list of alternative products looks like a better opportunity. This old product is still 'findable' for Search engines (only if you show a 200 OK status).
Especially when the product is temporary unavailable; I don't think it is a good idea to redirect them.
Something like this would be a better solution:
<meta name="revised" content="Sunday, July 18th, 2010, 5:15 pm" />
or
<meta name="revisit-after" content="7 days">
I have a UX problem with creating redirects for deleted products.
Being redirected to the product category without explanation. Looks like a bad UX, disappointed potential customer.
Getting slapped with a 404. Bad UX, disappointed potential customer.
Being redirected to a similar product without explanation. Bad UX, disappointed potential customer.
A product page where it says the product is unavailable, with a list of alternative products looks like a better opportunity. This old product is still 'findable' for Search engines (only if you show a 200 OK status).
Especially when the product is temporary unavailable; I don't think it is a good idea to redirect them.
Something like this would be a better solution:
<meta name="revised" content="Sunday, July 18th, 2010, 5:15 pm" />or<meta name="revisit-after" content="7 days">or with meta unavailable_after