Clean-up Question after a wordpress site Hack added pages with external links from a massive link wheel?

[Anthony_Howard]

Hey All, Thought I would throw this out to ensure I am dotting my "i's" and crossing my "t's".....

Client WordPress site was hacked injected 3-4 pages that cross linked to hundreds (affiliate junk spam link wheel).

• Pages were removed, 3rd party cleared all malware/viruses.
• Heavy duty firewall and security monitoring are in place.
• Hacked pages are now showing as 404.
• No penalties, ranking issues....If anything there was a temporary BOOST in rankings due to the large link-wheel type net that the pages were receiving....That has since leveled out rankings.

I guess my question is, in your opinion is it best to let those pages 404, I am noticing a large amount of links going to them from all over the world from this large link net that was built. I find the temptation to 301 re-direct deleted pages to the homepage difficult...lol..{the temptation is REAL}.

Is there anything I am missing? Any other steps that YOU would take? I am assuming letting those pages 404 would be the best bet, as in time they will roll off index....

Thank you in advance, I appreciate any feedback or opinions....

[Mobilio]

If you know what you do then you can use 410.

Because with 404 bot will coming to check that pages many times. With 410 it's only one or twice. Example from mine .htaccess:

Redirect 410 /salons/galka-3/
Redirect 410 /salons/galka-4/
Redirect 410 /salons/galka-1/
Redirect 410 /salons/galka-2/

As you can see it's very easy and and sleek. BUT beware because if you send 410 to normal page then later you can't get this page ranked!

[BlueprintMarketing]

1. Use Sucuri remove all bad URL/URI's & to make sure the site is clean. https://sitecheck.sucuri.net/
2. Don't 301 not relevant junk to you site.
3. Use a 410 page to show Google you want "the bad links dead. in time they will roll off index"
4. Add Sucuri WordPress plugin to check site.

Hope helps,

Tom

[CandymanKen]

It may not be an issue, but be sure to keep checking Webmaster tools and if needed you might have to disavow those links.

Good Luck