Introduction to 404 Error Pages
A 404 Error Page (also known as “Page Not Found”) is an HTTP status code that indicates that a requested webpage cannot be found on the server. This usually happens when a page has been deleted, moved, or the URL has been mistyped.
Why Should You Fix 404 Errors?
- They negatively impact user experience, leading to frustration and site abandonment.
- They harm SEO rankings as Google sees too many 404s as a sign of poor website management.
- They reduce website credibility and conversion rates.
In this guide, we will explore how to identify, fix, and prevent 404 errors to ensure a smooth website experience.
Common Causes of 404 Errors
Before solving the problem, it’s important to understand what causes 404 errors. Here are some common reasons:
- Deleted or Moved Pages Without Redirects – If you remove a page without redirecting it, users trying to access it will see a 404 error.
- Mistyped URLs – Users or website owners may accidentally enter incorrect URLs.
- Broken Internal Links – If your website links to a non-existent page, it creates a 404 error.
- Broken External Links – If another website links to your deleted page, visitors will land on a 404 error.
- Changes in URL Structure – If you modify your website’s URL structure and don’t update old links, users may find broken pages.
- Server Issues or Domain Name Changes – Website migrations or misconfigurations can lead to missing pages.
How to Identify 404 Errors on Your Website?
Regularly monitoring and fixing 404 errors is crucial. Here’s how you can identify them:
1. Use Google Search Console
- Log into Google Search Console and go to the Coverage section.
- Look for Not Found (404) errors and check which URLs are affected.
2. Run a Website Audit with SEO Tools
Use tools like:
- Ahrefs Site Audit
- SEMrush Site Audit
- Screaming Frog SEO Spider
These tools scan your website and identify broken links leading to 404 errors.
3. Check Website Logs
If you have access to your server logs, analyze them for requests to non-existent pages.
4. Manually Test Website Navigation
Regularly click through your website to ensure all internal links work properly.
How to Fix 404 Errors?
1. Set Up 301 Redirects (Best Solution)
- 301 Redirects permanently send users and search engines to a new URL instead of the missing page.
- If a page is deleted, redirect it to a relevant existing page (e.g., an updated version of the content).
Example:
htaccess
Redirect 301 /old-page.html https://yourwebsite.com/new-page.html
- In WordPress, use the Redirection plugin to easily set up 301 redirects.
2. Restore Deleted Pages (If Necessary)
- If a high-traffic page was accidentally removed, consider restoring it instead of redirecting.
- Use Google Cache or Wayback Machine to retrieve old content.
3. Fix Internal and External Broken Links
- Update internal links to point to active pages instead of broken ones.
- If external websites link to a deleted page, reach out to them and request an update.
4. Correct URL Typos
- Ensure all internal links and URLs are correctly spelled.
- Use tools like Broken Link Checker to find and fix incorrect links.
5. Customize Your 404 Page
- Instead of a generic error message, create a user-friendly 404 page that includes:
- A search bar to help users find what they’re looking for.
- Links to important pages (Home, Blog, Services).
- A friendly message explaining why they landed on a 404 page.
Example:
Oops! The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist. Try searching below or return to our homepage.
301 vs. 302 Redirects – What’s the Difference?
| Redirect Type | When to Use | Effect on SEO |
| 301 Redirect (Permanent) | When a page is permanently moved or deleted | Passes full SEO value to the new page |
| 302 Redirect (Temporary) | When a page is temporarily unavailable (e.g., during maintenance) | Does not pass SEO value |
For fixing 404 errors, always use 301 redirects, as they help maintain SEO rankings.
How to Prevent Future 404 Errors?
- Regularly Audit Your Website – Run site audits with Google Search Console and SEO tools to identify broken links.
- Update Your Sitemap – Ensure your XML sitemap is up to date so search engines know which pages are live.
- Use Proper URL Structures – Avoid frequent URL changes; use clear, consistent naming for pages.
- Monitor Backlinks – Check external sites linking to your content and ask for updates if necessary.
- Install a Broken Link Checker – If you’re using WordPress, install the Broken Link Checker Plugin to get alerts about broken links.
How 404 Errors Impact SEO & User Experience
- High Bounce Rates – Users leaving your site due to 404 errors increase bounce rates, affecting rankings.
- Lower Search Engine Rankings – Search engines may devalue sites with excessive broken pages.
- Bad User Experience – Visitors may lose trust and not return to your website.
Fixing and redirecting broken pages ensures better SEO performance and improves user experience.
Best Tools to Fix 404 Errors
| Tool | Purpose |
| Google Search Console | Identifies and tracks 404 errors |
| Ahrefs/Screaming Frog | Finds broken links and missing pages |
| Redirection Plugin (WordPress) | Helps set up 301 redirects easily |
| Broken Link Checker Plugin | Detects and fixes broken links on your site |
Using these tools, you can automate the detection and fixing of 404 errors, saving time and improving website health.
Conclusion
404 errors are common, but they should not be ignored. They can negatively impact your SEO rankings, user experience, and website credibility. The best way to fix them is by:
Setting up 301 redirects for deleted pages.
Fixing broken links within your website.
Creating a custom 404 page to retain visitors.
Regularly auditing your site to prevent future 404 errors.By following these strategies, you can keep your website error-free, improve search engine rankings, and provide a smooth user experience. Start fixing your 404 errors today to ensure a better-performing website! 🚀