Error 404: How it Hurts Your SEO and How to Fix It

Error 404, commonly known as “404 Not Found,” is a standard HTTP status code that occurs when a web server cannot locate the requested resource, typically a web page, at the specified URL. This error can have various causes, including mistyped URLs, deleted or moved web pages, or misconfigured websites. As a professional in SEO Marketing, Error 404 is a dread. Let’s look at how the famous Error 404 impacts SEO and how to fix it with effective solutions.

What is Error 404

An HTTP error 404 occurs when the web server cannot find a resource (such as a webpage) at a certain URL. Error 404 typically arises when:

• The user has entered an incorrect page URL, possibly due to a typo
• The website owner has removed the resource, making it unavailable on the server
• The website owner has modified the URL that was previously linked to the resource
• The website owner has misconfigured the website, causing the server to be unable to locate the resource

Negative Impacts on SEO

• Poor User Experience: 404 errors create a negative user experience by obstructing visitors from accessing the content they intended to view. This can lead to frustration, lower engagement, and a negative perception of the website or brand.
• Search Engine Indexing: When search engines encounter 404 errors while crawling a website, they interpret it as a sign that the page does not exist. Consequently, search engines may choose not to index or rank the affected page, resulting in decreased visibility and organic traffic.
• Reduced SERP Presence: Websites with numerous 404 error pages may experience reduced overall visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). Search engines prioritize websites with relevant and accessible content, and 404 errors hinder the ability to showcase valuable pages. Additionally, backlinks to pages with 404 errors lose their SEO value, further diminishing a website’s authority.

How to Identify 404 Errors

Manually checking each link on a website to identify 404 errors is a tedious and time-consuming task. Fortunately, there are efficient methods to identify and address these errors at scale:

• Semrush Site Audit: Utilize tools like Semrush Site Audit, which can scan your website for over 140 technical issues, including 404 errors. It provides comprehensive reports and suggests solutions to fix the detected issues.
• Dead Link Checker: The Dead Link Checker tool allows you to check up to 2,000 links on your website simultaneously. It identifies broken links, including those returning 404 errors, and provides the source link text for easy identification.

How to Fix Error 404

• Redirect the Page: If a page has been moved or deleted, redirecting the old URL to a relevant and accessible page can help preserve SEO value and provide a seamless user experience.
• Customize the 404 Error Page: Create a custom 404 error page that provides helpful information, navigational options, and links to relevant content on the website. This allows users to continue browsing and reduces the negative impact of encountering a 404 error.
• Update Internal Links: Regularly review and update internal links to ensure they point to valid and existing pages. This prevents users from encountering broken links and helps search engines crawl and index the website effectively.
• Monitor and Resolve External Backlinks: Use tools like Google Search Console to identify external backlinks pointing to pages with 404 errors. Reach out to the linking websites and request them to update the links to active pages on your website.

In Summary

Error 404 can have significant implications for both user experience and SEO. By understanding its impacts and implementing the suggested solutions, website owners can enhance user satisfaction, improve search engine visibility, and maintain a robust online presence. Regularly monitoring and fixing 404 errors is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and optimized website.

Image credit: @freepik
Source: Semrush Blog