We’ve all been there. You click on a link, expecting to see a helpful page, and instead, you’re met with a blank message that says 404 – Page Not Found. It’s frustrating, right? As a website owner or content creator, these little errors may seem small, but they can have a big impact on your visitors’ experience and your search engine performance.
Understanding what a 404 error code is, where it comes from, and how to fix it can help you keep your website in good shape. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from causes to solutions, all in simple language.
What Is a 404 Error Code?
A 404 error code means that the page you’re trying to reach doesn’t exist on the server. When a visitor clicks a broken link or types in the wrong address, the browser sends a request to the server. If the server can’t find a matching page, it returns a 404 status code to say, “Sorry, this page isn’t here.”
It’s a common HTTP response, and most websites will have a few from time to time. But too many 404s, or leaving them unresolved, can hurt how people see your site, and how search engines treat it, too.
Common Causes of 404 Errors
Sometimes 404 errors happen because of simple mistakes. Other times, they’re signs that something on your site needs attention. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons behind these errors.
Here are five common causes of 404 errors:
- Mistyped URLs: If a user types in the wrong address or clicks a link with a spelling error, the page won’t be found.
- Deleted or moved content: When you remove a blog post or change the URL of a page without redirecting it, users might still try to visit the old address.
- Broken internal links: These happen when you link to another page on your site that no longer exists or has changed.
- Broken external links: If other websites link to your site but use an incorrect or outdated URL, it can lead to 404 errors.
- Incorrect redirects: Setting up redirects incorrectly can confuse the server, sending users to pages that don’t exist.
Why 404 Errors Matter
A few 404 errors now and then are normal, but too many can cause bigger problems. They affect how people interact with your site and how well your site performs in search engines.
Here are three reasons why 404 errors matter:
- Poor user experience: Visitors get frustrated when they can’t find what they’re looking for, and they’re more likely to leave your site.
- Negative SEO impact: Search engines may reduce your rankings if your site has many broken links or missing pages.
- Loss of valuable traffic: If someone clicks a shared or bookmarked link that leads to a 404 error, you might lose a potential customer or reader.
How to Find 404 Errors on Your Website
Finding 404 errors before your users do is a smart move. There are many tools that can help you spot broken links and missing pages quickly.
Here are five simple ways to identify 404 errors:
1. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is one of the best free tools available. It shows you which pages on your site are returning 404 errors, along with the date they were first detected. You can find this information under the “Pages” or “Coverage” section.
It also tells you whether these errors are affecting how your site appears in search results. By checking regularly, you can fix issues before they impact your rankings.
2. Site Audit Tools
There are many site audit tools, both free and paid, that scan your website for broken links and missing pages. Tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can crawl your site and generate reports.
These tools are helpful because they look at both internal and external links. That means you can find out if your site is linking to something that no longer exists, or if someone else is linking to a missing page on your site.
3. Manual Testing
Sometimes the old-fashioned way works best. Go through your most important pages and click on all the internal and external links to see if they work. This is especially useful for smaller websites or newly published content.
You can also test known problem pages by typing their URLs directly into your browser or using A/B testing. If you get a 404 page, then you know the link is broken or the content is missing.
4. Analytics Tools
Google Analytics can give you clues about 404 errors by showing which pages users land on and then quickly leave. If you notice a page with a high bounce rate and no clear reason, it might be a 404 error in disguise.
You can set up custom reports or events to track when someone lands on a page that includes “404” in the URL or page title. This lets you catch hidden errors you might not notice otherwise.
5. Broken Link Checkers
There are online tools that specifically check for broken internal links. Tools like Dead Link Checker or Broken Link Checker are quick and easy to use. Just enter your website URL, and the tool will scan for any non-working links.
These are great for a quick overview or for checking individual pages after making updates. They’re also useful when you’ve done a lot of internal linking or added links from outside sources.
Tips to Fix and Prevent 404 Errors
It’s always better to fix 404 errors quickly and take steps to avoid them in the future. These small efforts can make a big difference in how your website performs and how users experience it.
Here are six helpful tips:
- Set up 301 redirects for deleted or moved pages: This sends visitors to the correct page instead of showing them a 404 error.
- Restore important content if it’s still needed: If users or search engines are still trying to access an old page, it may be worth bringing it back.
- Fix broken internal and external links: Regularly check your site and update any links that lead to missing or wrong pages.
- Use a custom 404 page: A helpful 404 page can guide visitors back to your homepage or other useful content.
- Keep your site structure simple and consistent: Avoid changing URLs unless necessary, and use logical naming for your pages.
- Audit your site regularly: Schedule monthly or quarterly checks using tools or manual testing to stay on top of errors.
Conclusion On What Is A 404 Error Code?
404 error codes are common, but they don’t have to ruin your site’s experience or search engine visibility. By finding them early, fixing them properly, and keeping your site well-maintained, you can protect both your visitors and your rankings.
Need help keeping your website in top shape? BestSEO Singapore offers professional support to improve your site’s SEO, fix technical issues, and make sure your visitors get the best experience possible. Our team can guide you through SEO audits, keyword planning, and technical fixes that keep your business growing online.
Schedule a free strategy session now!
Frequently Asked Questions About 404 Errors
What Does a 404 Error Mean?
A 404 error means the webpage could not be found on the server. This usually happens when the page has been deleted or the URL is incorrect.
Do 404 Errors Hurt My SEO?
Yes, if there are too many of them or if they affect important pages. Search engines see them as a sign of poor site maintenance.
How Do I Know If My Site Has 404 Errors?
Use tools like Google Search Console, site crawlers, or broken link checkers. You can also test links manually to be sure.
Can I Redirect All 404 Pages to My Homepage?
Technically, yes, but it’s not a good idea. Redirect users to the most relevant page to avoid confusion and improve the experience.
Should I Worry About Old or Low-Traffic 404 Pages?
It depends. If they still get visits or backlinks, fix or redirect them. If they no longer matter, it’s usually okay to leave them.
