A 404 error (also known as “404 Not Found”) is an HTTP status code that indicates that the requested web page could not be found on the server. The error may be caused by the page being removed, moved without a proper redirect, or the user entering an incorrect URL.
What does a 404 error mean?
When a user attempts to access a web address, the browser sends a request to the server, which then responds with a status code. If the server cannot find the page in question, it returns a 404 error.
Common causes of 404 errors
- Page has been deleted – If a page has been removed without a redirect, users and search engines will encounter a 404 error.
- Incorrect URL – If a visitor manually enters an incorrect or outdated URL, it can result in a 404 error.
- Changed URL without redirect – If a URL has been changed without setting up a 301 redirect, old links will lead to a 404 error.
- Server issues – Temporary server issues or configuration errors can sometimes cause pages to not load properly.
- Internal or external link errors – If a link points to a non-existent page, users will end up on a 404 error page.
SEO consequences of 404 errors
Although 404 errors are common, they can have negative consequences for both user experience and SEO if not handled correctly.
How do 404 errors affect SEO?
- Deteriorated user experience – If users frequently encounter 404 errors, it can lead to higher bounce rates and lower engagement.
- Lost link value – If external pages link to a page that returns a 404 error, the potential link value (link juice) is lost.
- Indexing issues – Search engines can waste crawl budget trying to index dead pages, which can negatively impact important pages. Read more about crawl budget here.
How to properly handle 404 errors
To minimize the harmful effects of 404 errors, it is recommended to implement the following strategies:
1. Set up 301 redirects
If a page has been moved or deleted, it should be redirected with a 301 redirect to a relevant page. This helps both users and search engines find the correct destination.
2. Customize your 404 page
Instead of a generic error message, you can design a custom 404 page that:
- Explains the error in a friendly manner
- Contains links to popular sites
- Has a search function so the user can find relevant content
3. Fix broken internal links
Review your website for internal links that lead to non-existent pages and update them.
4. Use Google Search Console
In Google Search Console, you can identify pages that return 404 errors and take the necessary steps to fix them.
5. Check external links
If external websites link to a non-existent page, you can either:
- Contact the webmaster and ask them to update the link.
- Redirect the URL to a relevant page
404 errors are a natural part of the internet, but they should be handled properly to ensure a good user experience and maintain SEO value. By implementing 301 redirects, fixing broken links, and optimizing your 404 page, you can minimize negative consequences and ensure a more streamlined navigation on your website.
