If you have ever visited a website and seen the message "404 - Page Not Found", you are not alone. This error message can be frustrating for users and webmasters alike. But what exactly is a 404 error and how can you fix it? In this article, we explain all about 404 errors and give practical tips on how to fix them.
What is a 404 Error?
A 404 error, also called "Page Not Found", is an HTTP status code indicating that the page you are trying to visit is not available on the server. This means that the server cannot find the requested URL. There can be several reasons why a user encounters a 404 error message:
- The URL is mistyped.
- The page was deleted or moved without setting a redirect.
- The link to the page is damaged or outdated.
- The server has technical problems.
Why is a 404 Error bad for your website?
Having too many 404 errors on your website can be detrimental to your SEO (search engine optimisation). Search engines like Google love well-organised and well-functioning websites. If you have too many dead links, it can negatively affect the user experience (UX) and therefore your search engine rankings. Also, users may experience frustration and leave the site, which increases the bounce rate.
How do you fix a 404 Error?
Fixing a 404 error can be simple, depending on the cause. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Check that the URL is correct
The first step is to check that the URL you are trying to access is correct. A simple typo can already lead to a 404 error. Make sure the link is well-written.
2. Set redirects
If you have deleted or moved a page, you can add a 301 redirect set. This tells search engines and users that the page has been permanently moved to a new location. This ensures you don't lose your search engine rankings and prevents users from encountering a 404 error.
At Surver, we offer Managed WordPress Hosting and we can set up redirects for you, so you don't have to worry about dead links.
3. Restore the page
If the page was accidentally deleted, you can restore it. Make sure the content is accessible to your visitors again and that the link works. If the content is outdated, consider updating the page instead of deleting it completely.
4. Use a 404 page that helps visitors move on
If you don't want visitors to leave your website as soon as they see a 404 page, you can create a custom 404 page that helps them navigate further. Add a search bar, popular links or a link to your homepage so users can easily find other parts of your website.
5. Use Google Search Console
With the Google Search Console you can track your website's performance and detect specific 404 errors. This helps you understand which pages are causing problems and allows you to fix them quickly.
6. Avoid dead links
It is essential to regularly check your website for broken links. Use tools such as Broken Link Checker To scan your website for links that don't work. This helps you fix problems before they negatively impact your SEO.
Why you shouldn't ignore 404 errors
While it may seem like a 404 error is not a big deal, in reality it can have a significant impact on your website's performance. Too many broken links can lead to lower search engine rankings, reduced user engagement and a poorer overall user experience. Regularly checking and fixing 404 errors is an important part of website management.
Conclusion
A 404 error is a common and often harmless error, but it is important to take quick action to fix it. By setting up redirects, checking your website for broken links and creating a user-friendly 404 page, you can minimise the impact of this error and ensure that your website continues to perform well in the search engines.
At Surver, we offer Managed WordPress Hosting and can help you set up redirects and manage your website so you don't have to worry about 404 errors.
Is your website experiencing 404-errors? Take contact with us and let us help you improve the performance of your website.
