Feeling lost on the web? Just like a traveler navigating a maze with an outdated map, overcoming 404 errors requires the right strategies. Discover how to guide your visitors back on track and fix broken links effortlessly

How to Fix 404 Error Codes for Broken URLs That No Longer Exist

Let’s face it, we’ve all encountered the dreaded 404 error coode while browsing the web.

It’s that annoying “Page Not Found” message that pops up when the page you’re looking for just isn’t there. For website owners, these 404 errors can be more than just an annoyance—they can negatively affect user experience, drive away potential customers, and even hurt your SEO rankings.

But don’t worry! Fixing 404 errors, especially those linked to URLs that no longer exist, is simpler than you might think. Let’s dig in and see how you can tackle this issue head-on!

What Exactly is a 404 Error Code, Anyway?

A 404 error is essentially a message from your server saying, “Hey, I couldn’t find the page you were looking for!”

This usually happens when a user tries to access a page that has been deleted or moved without a proper redirect in place. While some 404 errors are inevitable, having too many can spell trouble for your website.

Why Should You Care About Fixing 404 Errors?

Great question! 

Here’s why fixing 404 errors is crucial:

  1. Improved User Experience (UX): A user who stumbles upon a 404 error might feel like they’ve hit a dead end, which could lead them to leave your site altogether. A smooth, error-free experience keeps users engaged and more likely to return.

  2. SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google aim to provide the best possible search results for users. A site riddled with broken links and 404 errors might appear neglected, which could result in lower rankings over time.

  3. Reduced Bounce Rates: When users encounter a 404 error, they often leave the site immediately, increasing your bounce rate. A high bounce rate can indicate to search engines that your site is not meeting users’ needs.

Step 1: Finding 404 Errors on Your Website

Before you can fix 404 errors, you need to find them. Fortunately, there are several tools at your disposal to help identify broken URLs on your site.

1. Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a free tool that gives you insights into how your site is performing in Google’s search results. It also provides valuable information on any 404 errors Google encounters while crawling your site. Here’s how to use it:

  • Log into Google Search Console and select your website.
  • Navigate to the “Coverage” report under the “Index” section.
  • In the Coverage report, you’ll see a list of errors, including any 404 errors. Click on them to get a list of affected URLs.

2. Website Crawlers

Tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can crawl your website just like a search engine does and produce a report highlighting all the broken links and 404 errors. These tools often provide more detailed information than Google Search Console and can help you identify issues more quickly.

3. Server Logs

If you have access to your server logs, you can find 404 errors by looking for “404” status codes in the logs. This method is a bit more technical but can provide comprehensive details about every request made to your server, including those that resulted in a 404 error.

Learn how to easily fix 404 errors caused by broken URLs with our step-by-step guide. Discover effective methods to find and repair these errors, set up redirects, and create a user-friendly 404 page to enhance your website's SEO and user experience.

Step 2: Understanding the Cause of 404 Errors

Once you’ve identified the 404 errors, it’s time to figure out why they’re happening. Here are some common causes:

  • Deleted Pages: Sometimes, pages are deleted because they are outdated or no longer relevant. However, if these pages were indexed by search engines or linked to from other websites, users might still try to access them.

  • Changed URLs: If you’ve recently restructured your site or changed the URLs of some pages, any old links that haven’t been updated will lead to a 404 error.

  • Misspelled URLs: Simple typos in links can also cause 404 errors, whether the typo is on your site or on an external site linking to yours.

  • External Links to Removed Pages: Other websites might link to a page on your site that has since been removed or relocated. These backlinks can still drive traffic to your site, resulting in 404 errors if the page is no longer available.

Step 3: Fixing 404 Errors: Your Toolkit

Now that you’ve pinpointed the cause of your 404 errors, let’s go through some effective strategies to fix them.

1. Setting Up 301 Redirects

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another. It’s like sending someone to your new address after you’ve moved. This is the most SEO-friendly way to handle a page that no longer exists or has been moved. Here’s how you can set up 301 redirects:

  • WordPress Users: Use plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO to easily set up 301 redirects. These plugins provide a user-friendly interface where you can enter the old URL and the new URL you want it to redirect to.

  • For Custom Sites or Other CMS: If you’re not using WordPress, you might need to add redirects directly to your server’s .htaccess file. For example, adding the line Redirect 301 /old-page.html /new-page.html tells the server to redirect requests for the old page to the new one.

2. Updating Internal Links

It’s essential to review your website and update any internal links pointing to the broken URLs. If you’ve set up a 301 redirect, this step might seem unnecessary, but it’s good practice. This not only ensures a seamless user experience but also helps search engines understand the structure of your site.

3. Reaching Out About Broken Backlinks

If you notice that other websites are linking to pages on your site that no longer exist, consider reaching out to them. Politely ask them to update their links to point to a relevant, active page on your site. This can help preserve valuable backlinks and improve user experience.

4. Creating a Custom 404 Page

Even after fixing all the 404 errors you can find, some are bound to slip through the cracks. For these, having a custom 404 page is crucial. A well-designed 404 page can help retain visitors who might otherwise leave your site. Here are some elements to include on your custom 404 page:

  • A Clear, Friendly Message: Let users know the page they were looking for doesn’t exist but encourage them to stay and explore other parts of your site.
  • Search Bar: Provide a search bar so users can easily find what they’re looking for.
  • Links to Popular Pages: Include links to your homepage, popular posts, or other key pages to guide users back on track.
  • A Touch of Humor: Sometimes, a little humor can go a long way in easing the frustration of a 404 error.

Step 4: Preventing Future 404 Errors

Now that you’ve cleaned up your 404 errors, it’s time to think about preventing future ones. Here’s how:

1. Regularly Audit Your Website

Set a schedule to routinely check for broken links and 404 errors on your site. Tools like Google Search Console and Screaming Frog can make this process easier. Regular audits help catch and fix issues before they impact your SEO or user experience.

2. Use a Content Management Strategy

Whenever you delete or move a page, have a plan in place to set up redirects and update internal links. This proactive approach will minimize 404 errors and maintain a smooth user experience.

3. Monitor Backlinks with SEO Tools

Tools like Ahrefs and Moz can help you keep track of backlinks to your site. If a high-traffic backlink points to a non-existent page, you’ll want to either contact the linking site or ensure a redirect is in place to capture that traffic.

Wrapping Up

404 errors are a common part of running a website, but they don’t have to be a headache. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily find and fix broken URLs, ensuring a better experience for your users and a healthier SEO profile for your site. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your website in top shape!

Got more questions or need further assistance? Feel free to reach out, and happy fixing!

Leave a comment!

Leave a Reply

The same man in a white shirt smiles confidently with one hand behind his neck, showcasing a relaxed and cheerful pose.

Hi there! I'm Jeremiah.

Welcome to the Holistic & Co. Blog, your go-to resource for expert insights on SEO and Social Ads education, industry news, and company highlights. Our purpose is to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance your online presence and achieve marketing success. Learn more about us and our mission statement here.

Search
A smartphone displaying the Holistic & Co logo on a dark background with "INBOX" text below.

CLAIM YOUR FREE AUDIT!​

Unlock your website’s full potential with our Holistic SEO Insight – Free Expert Audit. Benefit from over nine years of SEO expertise, receiving in-depth analysis and actionable strategies to boost your organic traffic and increase your sales, all at no cost.