404 Error – What does it mean, how do I fix it?

Let’s set the scene—you’ve just clicked on a link, but instead of landing on the page you wanted, an error message pops up saying, “Error 404 Not Found.” We understand how frustrating this can be. But what does this error actually mean, and how can it be resolved? In this article, we’ll break down the 404 Error, explain its impact, and provide practical steps to fix and prevent it.

What is a 404 Error?

A 404 Error, also known as “404 Not Found,” is a common error message that appears when the webpage you’re trying to reach cannot be found on the server. It’s part of the HTTP protocol, which governs communication between web browsers and servers.

In simpler terms, a 404 Error means you’re trying to access a page that either no longer exists or has been moved without the link being updated. Think of it like going to an address where the building has been demolished—you’ve got the directions, but nothing’s there.

Why Do 404 Errors Matter?

404 errors are not just minor annoyances; they can have real consequences for your website’s performance and user experience:

SEO Impact

 404 errors signal to search engines that your site is outdated or poorly maintained, which can harm your rankings. Over time, they can lead to indexing issues, affecting your visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Poor User Experience

Users stumbling upon dead links might see your website as unreliable, which reduces trust and credibility. This could cause them to abandon their visit entirely, leading to higher bounce rates and lower conversion rates

Common Causes of 404 Errors

Deleted or Moved Pages

One of the most common causes of 404 errors is when a web page is deleted or moved without updating the links pointing to it. For example, if you archive an old blog post or relocate a product page to a new section, the original URL may still be linked from other areas of your website or from external sources. If these links aren’t updated to reflect the changes, users attempting to access the old page will encounter a 404 error, leading to frustration and a potential loss of traffic.

Typos in URLs

Even small mistakes in typing a URL can result in a 404 error. This can occur either when a user manually enters a web address incorrectly, or if a link on your site contains a typo, such as a missing character, extra space, or incorrect format. It’s important to regularly check your URLs for accuracy, especially when manually creating links or updating site content.

External Links

When other websites link to your content, the responsibility for keeping those links accurate is out of your control. External websites may link to pages that have since been moved, renamed, or deleted on your site, resulting in users landing on a 404 error when following those links. Monitoring inbound links through tools like Google Search Console can help you identify and fix these issues through 301 redirects or by reaching out to the linking sites for updates.

How to Fix a 404 Error

Implement 301 Redirects

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirection that transfers both users and search engines from an outdated or broken URL to a new, active page. Implementing 301 redirects is crucial when you find broken links because it ensures that users who land on an old or deleted page are seamlessly guided to the relevant content without hitting a dead end. From an SEO perspective, 301 redirects also preserve the SEO value, or “link equity,” of the old page, which is essential for maintaining search engine rankings. Without this redirect, a broken link could lead to a significant drop in traffic, as search engines may deindex the page, and users are likely to leave the site out of frustration. 

Regularly Monitor Links

Maintaining a healthy website requires regularly checking your site for broken links, both internal and external, to prevent 404 errors from negatively impacting user experience and SEO performance. Setting up a system for ongoing link monitoring ensures that you catch issues early, before they disrupt visitors or search engine crawlers. Here are some handy tools that can help you find broken links: 

Google Search Console

This free tool from Google helps you monitor your website’s overall health, including broken links and other errors.It also allows you to submit updated sitemaps, helping search engines more effectively crawl and index your site, which can prevent 404 errors from negatively impacting your search rankings.

Screaming Frog

Screaming Frog is a powerful SEO tool that allows you to perform in-depth crawls of your website, identifying potential issues with internal and external links. The software can detect 404 errors, redirect chains, and broken links, providing you with a detailed report on where these issues occur. 

Broken Link Checker

This WordPress plugin automates the process of detecting broken links on your website. Once installed, Broken Link Checker continuously scans your site for any dead or non-functioning links, whether they are internal or external. The plugin notifies you when it finds a broken link, allowing you to quickly repair or remove it. By using this plugin, you can stay on top of site maintenance without having to manually check each link, ensuring a seamless user experience and preventing the negative impact that broken links can have on SEO and site credibility.

Regular audits, ideally scheduled every few months or after significant site changes (like redesigns or content removals), help prevent the buildup of dead links, ensuring that users can navigate your site without interruption and keeping your SEO intact.

Creating an Effective 404 Error Page

While 404 errors can’t be completely avoided, you can manage how they impact your users by creating an effective 404 error page. A well-crafted page not only minimizes user frustration but also keeps visitors engaged on your site. Start by offering clear navigation options, such as links to the homepage, a search bar, or popular content, so users can quickly find what they’re looking for. Ensure the design of your 404 page is consistent with your site’s branding, using the same colours, fonts, and style elements to reinforce continuity and reassure users that they’re still on your website. A brief, empathetic apology—such as “We’re sorry for the inconvenience”—acknowledges the issue and leaves a positive impression. Adding a touch of humour or creativity can further reduce frustration; clever messages or fun visuals can transform an otherwise negative moment into a memorable and engaging interaction.

Preventing Future 404 Errors

To avoid 404 errors, regularly monitor your site’s links, both internal and external. Keep track of content changes and update URLs when necessary. By following best practices, you’ll not only improve user experience but also maintain your site’s SEO health.

Encountering a “404 Error Not Found” is frustrating, but addressing it is essential for maintaining a positive user experience and preserving your site’s credibility. By regularly checking for broken links, implementing 301 redirects, and creating a well-thought-out 404 error page, you can reduce the negative impact of these errors. The goal is to turn these setbacks into opportunities, enhancing user satisfaction and improving overall site performance.