404 Error

A 404 error is an HTTP status code indicating to users and search engines that the server was unable to locate the requesting webpage. This normally happens when a person browses a URL that has been removed, moved, broken, or entered incorrectly. A 404 error is usually shown as “404 Not Found” or “Page Not Found.

404 errors occur frequently on websites as web pages are created, removed, or revised. In addition, unfixed 404 errors can cause browsing problems for users, which can make website maintenance more challenging.

01 — GlossaryWhat Causes a 404 Error?

There are many reasons why a 404 error may occur. Some are the result of a basic error in the URL, while others are made after changes to a website.

• Deleted Pages: A page may be deleted permanently and not include an alternative URL or redirect. If someone visits the old URL, they might see a 404 error.
• Broken Internal Links: An internal link may refer to a website page that no longer is available. When they click the link, website visitors or search engine crawlers arrive at a 404 page.
• Invalid URLs: Visitors type an incorrect URL, skip a character, or enter the wrong page address. In these situations, the URL that was requested does not correspond to an existing web page.
• Website Migration: Website redesigns, domain modifications, and URL structure alterations may result in a huge number of 404 errors if prior URLs aren’t properly linked to their new addresses.

02 — GlossaryAre 404 Errors Bad for SEO?

Not every 404 error means a site has an SEO issue. Websites naturally contain certain URLs that are outdated or inaccessible.

The more significant issue occurs when important pages, internal links, or regularly visited URLs display 404 errors. This may result in unnecessary hurdles for search engine crawlers and thus make it challenging for visitors to discover useful information.

For instance, if a major service page is deleted but the site maintains internal links to the old URL, site visitors may continue to get a 404 page.

By conducting ongoing technical checks, you can detect these problems before they begin to impact the entire structure of the website. A professional SEO audit can detect broken links, crawlability, indexing, and other technical SEO-related bugs.

03 — GlossaryHow to Detect 404 Errors on Your Website

Before you can fix 404 errors, it is necessary to know which websites are displaying them and the reason they are happening. There are several ways for website owners to discover these errors.

• Google Search Console: Google Search Console will show you URLs that Google tried to crawl but couldn't. Site owners can see related indexing and page reports to find URLs that might require focus.
• Website Crawling Tools: SEO crawling tools are able to crawl website pages and find broken internal links, missing pages, and URLs generating 404 responses. Such tools are particularly helpful for larger sites with a large number of URLs.
• Server Logs: Server logs are records of requests sent to a website’s server. By looking at such logs, you can find out which 404 URLs are being requested by visitors or search engine crawlers.
• Verify Internal Links: Monitor internal links frequently to ensure they link to active and relevant pages. A broken internal link can take site visitors immediately to a 404 page.

Regular SEO services are also able to assist a business in tracking its website health and finding any technical issues that might impact its search visibility.

04 — GlossaryHow to Fix a 404 Error

The most effective method to resolve a 404 error is dependent on why the URL is no longer working and if the original page has value.

1. Restore the Page

If a web page was removed in error, but the information is still relevant, returning to it at the original address will solve the 404 error.

2. Add a 301 Redirect

If the page has moved forever to a relevant new address, then it’s best to implement a 301 redirect to redirect incoming users and search engines to the new address.

Redirects are helpful after website migrations, URL modifications, content consolidation, or website restructuring.

3. Fix Broken Internal Links

If you have links on your site that link to a URL that is no longer available, make sure to redirect them to the correct and appropriate page.

Fixing broken internal links ensures that visitors get to the content they want to see and helps maintain a better-organised website navigation design.

4. Keep the 404 When No Replacement Exists

Not every 404 is required to be resolved with a redirect. Sometimes a page has been deleted completely, and there is no suitable replacement. In those cases, it may be appropriate to let the URL generate a valid 404 response.

Don't redirect all 404s to your homepage or another page just to get rid of the 404 response.

5. Create a Helpful Custom 404 Page

Having a personalized 404 page can assist visitors in continuing to access your site when they come across an unresponsive URL.

It can include:

• A simple “Page Not Found” message
• A link to the homepage
• A search option
• Links to important website sections
• Popular or useful pages

A good 404 page provides users with a clear next step, rather than leaving them waiting at an empty page.

05 — Glossary404 Error vs. 301 Redirect

A 404 error tells both users and search engines that the page they are looking for is not available.

A 301 redirect informs them that a page has been moved to another URL permanently.

For example:

• 404: The old page no longer exists, and there is no relevant replacement.
• 301: The old page has moved to a relevant new location.

The correct choice is based on the status and purpose of the original URL.

06 — GlossaryWhy Regularly Track 404 Errors?

As a website expands, 404 errors can simply occur. Pages can be deleted. URLs can be changed. Website structures can be modified.

Continuous monitoring lets businesses catch broken URLs and outdated links before they turn into bigger problems in website maintenance. This is especially important for e-commerce sites, large sites, and businesses that post or update their content often.

Technical SEO audits can detect 404 errors as well as other technical issues such as crawlability, indexation, site architecture, etc. Such issues can be discovered and fixed by businesses with the help of technical SEO services.

07 — GlossaryThings to Remember

A 404 error indicates that the webpage you are looking for cannot be accessed. This can happen if a page has been deleted, a URL has been modified, an internal link is broken, a website has been migrated, or a user has entered the wrong address.

Identifying the 404 errors is the first step. When you find them, decide whether to restore, redirect, update, or leave as an actual 404 with no replacement available.

Regularly checking for broken URLs and having a well-designed customized 404 page can improve site navigation and help establish an effective technical SEO framework.

08 — FAQsFrequently Asked Questions