How to Fix Error 404 Not Found on Your Website

How to Fix Error 404 Not Found on Your Website – The dreaded “Error 404 Not Found” is a common yet frustrating issue that website owners and users encounter. The 404 error, identified by its HTTP status code, indicates the server’s inability to find the requested page. This problem can emerge due to diverse factors, including broken links caused by mistyped URLs, deleted content, or misconfigurations in server settings.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve deeper into the underlying causes triggering the occurrence of the 404 error.

Additionally, we provide an extensive array of detailed steps and strategies aimed at rectifying this issue. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective solutions, the ultimate goal is to not only resolve the 404 error but also significantly elevate the overall user experience of your website.

▶ Understanding The 404 Error: Anatomy Of A Broken Link

A 404 error is a simple message from the server: the requested page doesn’t exist. It could be a typo in the URL, a deleted page, a server issue, or even a mischievous redirect. But regardless of the cause, the result is the same: a frustrated visitor and a potentially damaged reputation.

Here are some common mistakes behind 404 errors:

• Typos and mistyped URLs: A simple typo can turn a valid link into a 404 abyss.
• Deleted content: Pages removed from your site leave broken links in their wake.
• Moved content: Pages that change URLs without proper redirects become 404 victims.
• Broken internal links: Links within your website pointing to the wrong location.
• External links pointing to non-existent pages: Links on other websites that lead to dead ends on yours.
• Server errors: Technical glitches can sometimes cause temporary or permanent 404 errors.

▶ Unmasking The 404 Menace: Tools of the Diagnosis

Identifying and fixing 404 errors is crucial for website health. Here are some tools to help you diagnose the problem:

• Google Search Console: This free tool from Google provides valuable insights into your website’s 404 errors, including the affected URLs and potential causes.
• Website crawlers: Tools like Screaming Frog or Xenu Link Sleuth can crawl your entire website and identify broken links, including internal and external ones.
• Log analysis tools: Analyzing your server logs can reveal technical errors causing 404s, like server timeouts or resource limitations.
• Analytics platforms: Tools like Google Analytics can show you which pages are generating the most 404 errors, helping you prioritize fixes.

▶ From Diagnosis To Cure: Banishing The 404s

Once you’ve identified the 404 errors, it’s time to take action! Here are some treatment options:

• Fix Broken Links: Correct any typos present in URLs across your website. Additionally, update links that point to relocated or modified content. Re-establish connections to deleted pages, if necessary, to prevent users from encountering dead ends while browsing.
• Implement Redirects: Utilize 301 redirects as a crucial strategy for redirecting visitors from broken or outdated links to relevant, existing pages on your website. This not only ensures a seamless user experience by guiding visitors to the intended content but also retains the SEO value associated with the original link.
• Remove Invalid External Links: Regularly monitor external websites that link to your content. In instances where these external links lead to non-existent pages on your site, reach out to the respective website owners or administrators. Request them to update or correct the links, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for users navigating from external sources.
• Address Technical Issues: Collaborate with your hosting provider to resolve any server-related errors or resource limitations causing the occurrence of 404 errors. Technical issues, such as server misconfigurations or resource constraints, can contribute to the generation of 404s. Addressing these technicalities is vital to ensure a smooth browsing experience for your visitors.
• Create a Custom 404 Page: Transform the typical generic error message into a user-friendly, informative 404 error page. This customized page can offer valuable assistance to visitors encountering a dead link. Include elements like a search bar, navigation options, or links to popular content, empowering users to navigate through your website effortlessly despite encountering an error.

▶ Proactive Prevention: Building a Fortress Against 404s

To prevent future 404 outbreaks, consider these preventive measures:

• Regular Website Audits: Regularly audit your website using advanced website crawlers and analytics tools. This proactive approach allows you to identify and rectify broken links before they become detrimental to user experience or SEO performance.
• Utilize Link Checker Plugins: Leverage the efficiency of link checker plugins, such as “Broken Link Checker” designed for platforms like WordPress. These plugins automatically scan your website, promptly detecting broken links and providing alerts. This automated process ensures timely intervention and resolution of potential issues.
• Review Links Before Publishing: Exercise caution when publishing new content by diligently reviewing all embedded links. This simple yet effective practice helps prevent the inadvertent inclusion of typos or the use of invalid URLs, minimizing the risk of creating broken links upon content publication.
• Maintain a Consistent Naming Structure: Implementing a consistent naming structure for your URLs is a strategic preventive measure. This practice not only fosters an organized website architecture but also mitigates the likelihood of accidental URL changes that could lead to broken links.
• Document Redirects Effectively: Document and manage 301 redirects systematically. Maintaining a comprehensive record of redirects ensures both consistency and ease of future reference. This documentation proves invaluable in scenarios where URL changes or content migrations necessitate the implementation of redirects, contributing to a seamless user experience and preserving SEO integrity.

▶ Beyond The Fix: Turning 404s into Opportunities

Don’t just fix 404s, learn from them! Analyze the data from your 404 reports to understand user behavior and content preferences. This can help you:

• Identify popular content: Pages with many broken links to them might be popular and deserve promotion.
• Optimize your site structure: Adjust your website’s navigation and content organization to improve user experience and reduce the risk of 404s.
• Update outdated content: Pages with lots of broken links might be outdated and need revision or removal.

The Difference Between a Soft 404 and a Hard 404

A 404 is an HTTP status code that serves as an indicator when a requested webpage is unable to be found on a server. However, the soft 404 and hard 404 errors referred to above highlight different circumstances: 

Hard 404

This is the proper response a server should give when returning a 404-status code, meaning that the requested page is missing. It is a clear and correct response from the server, which allows search engines to comprehend that the page is missing and so they shouldn’t index it. 

Soft 404

When a server returns a 200 OK status, which means it was successful, but the content of the page says there is an error, or the content is irrelevant and shows some sort of “Page Not Found” message. This can be negative for SEO, since search crawlers may not drop those documents and hence continue crawling irrelevant or error pages, wasting crawl budget and decreasing search visibility. 

In other words, a hard 404 is the correct way to give page not found a signal, while a soft 404 will confuse both users and search engines and, hence, is an issue that should be corrected.

Most common causes of a 404 error 

There can be a number of factors resulting in a 404 error. The most common ones are as follows: 

Broken Links

When a web page or other link has been removed, renamed, and an endpoint no longer exists, it reroutes the user and search engine to a 404 page. 

Misspelled URLs

For users who type a URL or because of internal linking, if the entry contains typos, it leads to a 404 error. 

Deleted/Moved Pages

If pages are deleted or moved and not well redirected to their new location, visitors intending to see them will be taken to a 404 page. 

Server configuration

If the servers are badly configured or there is some problem in hosting, the web pages might not appear appropriately and result in a 404. 

Incorrect File Permissions

A server not given permissions to serve a file may just give a 404 back instead of the content.

Conclusion

Effectively addressing and preventing Error 404 on your website involves a combination of proactive measures and swift responses. By regularly monitoring your site, implementing redirects, creating custom error pages, and staying vigilant about external backlinks, you can enhance user experience and maintain a healthy, error-free website. Remember, a smooth and seamless online experience contributes significantly to user satisfaction and engagement.