Playbook: a decision tree for pruning after a helpful-content hit

Playbook: a decision tree for pruning after a helpful-content hit
Pruning blindly can delete pages that still earn links. Run each candidate URL through this order:

— Step 1: Does it have referring domains? If yes, never delete — redirect or improve, per John Mueller's repeated advice against deleting linked pages.
— Step 2: Zero clicks AND zero impressions over 6 months in GSC? Candidate for removal.
— Step 3: Is it thin duplicate of a stronger page? Consolidate with a 301, don't noindex-and-forget.
— Step 4: Outdated but on-topic? Refresh, don't prune — topical depth helps site-level signals.
— Step 5: Off-niche entirely? This is the prune-or-noindex bucket.

The sequence prevents amputating equity-bearing pages.

One to bookmark: Google's documentation hub on consolidation — pair it with Mueller's Office Hours notes on when removal actually helps.