What is robots.txt validation and why is it important?

What is robots.txt validation and why is it important?

Robots.txt validation ensures that your website's robots.txt file is correctly formatted, allowing search engines to crawl your site as intended. It's crucial for SEO because it helps control which parts of your site are indexed.

How can I validate my robots.txt file?

You can validate your robots.txt file using online tools like Google's Robots Testing Tool or by checking it manually for syntax errors.

What common mistakes should I avoid in my robots.txt file?

Common mistakes include disallowing important pages, incorrect syntax, and not updating the file after site changes.

Can I block specific search engines with robots.txt?

Yes, you can block specific search engines by specifying their user-agent in the robots.txt file.

What happens if my robots.txt file is misconfigured?

If misconfigured, it can lead to important pages being excluded from search engine indexing, negatively impacting your site's visibility.