A 404 error is one of the most common issues users encounter while browsing the web. It occurs when a webpage cannot be found on a server, usually because the page has been moved, deleted, or the URL was typed incorrectly.
For website owners, 404 errors can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings, leading to lost traffic and potential customers. Understanding what causes these errors and how to fix them is crucial for maintaining a healthy and user-friendly website.
What is 404 Error?
A 404 error is an HTTP status code that means the page a user is trying to access cannot be found on the server. It’s the web’s way of saying, “Oops! That page doesn’t exist.”
When a user encounters a 404 error, it usually means one of the following:
- The page has been deleted or moved – If a webpage was removed without a redirect, users trying to visit it will get a 404 error.
- The URL is incorrect – A simple typo in the web address can lead to a 404 error.
- Broken or outdated links – If another website links to your page, but that page no longer exists, users will land on a 404 page.
- Server issues – Sometimes, the page exists but isn’t loading due to server problems or misconfigurations.
Why Do 404 Errors Matter?
404 errors can frustrate users, hurt your website’s SEO, and cause lost traffic. If a visitor keeps running into missing pages, they may leave your site altogether. Search engines, like Google, may also lower your rankings if you have too many broken links.
Why You Should Care About Fixing 404 Errors
Ignoring 404 errors can hurt your website more than you think. While a few broken pages may seem harmless, they can negatively impact user experience, SEO, and even your business reputation. Here’s why fixing them matters:
Improves User Experience
Nothing frustrates visitors more than clicking a link and landing on a “Page Not Found” error. If users encounter too many 404s, they might leave your site and never return. A smooth, error-free website keeps visitors engaged and builds trust.
Protects Your SEO Rankings
Search engines like Google don’t like broken links. If they find too many 404 errors, they may assume your website is outdated or poorly maintained, which can lead to lower search rankings. Fixing broken links helps preserve your SEO authority.
Prevents Lost Revenue
For e-commerce and business websites, broken pages can mean lost sales. If a product page or service page leads to a 404 error, potential customers may give up and go to a competitor’s site instead.
Maintains Backlink Value
If other websites link to a page that no longer exists, that valuable SEO boost is wasted. Instead of losing traffic from those links, you can redirect 404 pages to relevant content and retain their SEO benefits.
Shows You Care About Your Website
A well-maintained website reflects professionalism and credibility. Regularly checking for and fixing 404 errors ensures your site runs smoothly and provides a great experience for users.
How to Fix 404 Errors?
- Use redirects (301 redirects) to send users to a new, relevant page.
- Check for broken links using SEO tools like Google Search Console.
- Update internal and external links to avoid directing users to missing pages.
- Create a custom 404 page with helpful links to keep users on your site.
By addressing 404 errors, you enhance your site’s usability, protect your SEO, and keep visitors happy. Don’t let broken pages ruin your online success!
How to Find 404 Errors on Your Website?
404 errors can harm your user experience and SEO, but before you can fix them, you need to find them. Here are the best ways to locate broken links and missing pages on your site:
Google Search Console
Google Search Console helps you find 404 errors that Google detects when crawling your site.
How to use it:
- Log in to Google Search Console
- Go to Pages → Look for Not Found (404) under “Indexing”
- Click on an error to see which pages are affected
Why use it? Google provides direct insights on issues affecting your search rankings.
SEO Audit Tools
SEO tools can crawl your entire site and list all broken links.
Popular options:
- Screaming Frog (Free for up to 500 URLs)
- Ahrefs Site Audit
- SEMrush Site Audit
Why use them? These tools find broken links, missing pages, and redirect issues in one scan.
Website Crawlers (Check Internal Links)
Use crawlers to scan for internal links that lead to 404 errors.
- Screaming Frog → “Response Codes” → Filter for 404 Errors
- Xenu Link Sleuth (Windows) → Scans for broken links
Why use them? It quickly detect internal site errors that affect navigation.
Browser Extensions
Try browser extensions for quick 404 error detection:
- Check My Links (Chrome) – Scans links on a webpage
- Broken Link Checker (Chrome) – Detects broken links in real time
Why use it? It are fast and easy for small websites.
Analytics & Server Logs
Some 404 errors might not show in SEO tools but can be found in:
- Google Analytics – Check Behavior → Site Content → All Pages, then filter for “404”
- Server Logs – Look for 404 status codes in your hosting provider’s logs
Why use it? It help find user-triggered 404s that SEO tools may miss.
Tip: Monitor 404s Regularly!
- Use Google Search Console & SEO tools weekly/monthly
- Set up 301 redirects for missing pages
- Fix broken links ASAP to protect your SEO & user experience
Keeping your website error-free ensures higher rankings, better engagement, and fewer lost visitors!
How to Fix 404 Errors on Your Website?
404 errors can hurt your SEO, user experience, and conversions. Here’s how to find and fix them quickly to keep your website running smoothly.
Redirect Broken URLs
This is best for removed or moved pages, if a page no longer exists, set up a 301 redirect to a relevant, working page.
How to do it:
- Use .htaccess file (Apache servers)
- Use NGINX redirect rules
- Use a WordPress plugin (like Redirection or Rank Math)
Best for: Pages that have been moved, renamed, or deleted but still get traffic or backlinks.
Restore Deleted Pages
If a high-traffic page was removed, consider restoring it instead of redirecting.
- Check Google Analytics for page traffic
- If the page is still useful, recreate it
- Keep the same URL and content structure
Best for: Pages that were deleted but are still in demand.
Fix Internal Broken Links (Update URLs)
If your site has links pointing to missing pages, update them to working URLs.
- Use SEO tools (like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs) to find broken links
- Replace outdated links with correct URLs
Best for: Fixing internal linking errors that impact navigation.
Fix External Broken Links
If your site links to an external page that no longer exists, update the link or remove it.
- Find broken links with Check My Links (Chrome extension)
- Replace them with a new, relevant resource
Best for: Keeping your site credible and user-friendly.
Customize Your 404 Page (For a Better User Experience)
If users land on a 404 page, help them find what they need instead of making them leave.
- Add a friendly message (e.g., “Oops! Page not found.”)
- Include a search bar & popular links
- Keep branding consistent
Best for: Reducing bounce rates and improving user experience.
Remove Bad URLs from Google’s Index
If Google keeps indexing dead pages, remove them from search results.
- Use Google Search Console → Removals Tool
- Submit an updated sitemap
Best for: Cleaning up outdated or unnecessary URLs.
Monitor and Prevent Future 404 Errors
- Regularly check Google Search Console for errors
- Use SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush for automated scans
- Set up 301 redirects when moving content
Final Thoughts
Fixing 404 errors keeps your SEO strong, users happy, and conversions high.
- Regular monitoring = fewer lost visitors
- Redirects & updates = better search rankings
- A well-designed 404 page = improved user retention
Preventing Future 404 Errors on Your Website
404 errors can frustrate users and hurt your SEO. The best approach? Prevent them before they happen. Here’s how to keep your site free of broken links and missing pages.
Plan a URL Structure That Lasts
Changing URLs frequently creates broken links and lost traffic.
- Use simple, descriptive, and permanent URLs
- Avoid dates or numbers that may need updating (e.g., use
/best-seo-tipsinstead of/best-seo-tips-2024) - Stick to a consistent naming convention across your site
Best for: Websites that frequently update content.
Set Up Proper Redirects When Moving or Deleting Pages
If you must remove or move a page, use 301 redirects to guide users and search engines to the right place.
- Use 301 redirects for permanent changes
- Use 302 redirects for temporary changes
- Update internal links to point directly to the new URL
Best for: Websites undergoing restructuring or content updates.
Monitor and Fix Broken Links Regularly
Set up a system to detect and fix broken links before users encounter them.
- Use Google Search Console to track 404 errors
- Run SEO audits with tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Screaming Frog
- Install a broken link checker plugin (for WordPress users)
Best for: Sites that grow quickly or update frequently.
Keep Your Internal Links Updated
If your pages link to nonexistent or outdated URLs, users will hit 404 errors.
- Regularly audit internal links
- If a page changes, update all links pointing to it
- Avoid linking to temporary pages
Best for: Large websites with multiple interlinked pages.
Avoid Linking to Unreliable External Sites
External sites may delete content or change URLs, causing 404 errors.
- Link only to trusted, well-maintained websites
- Use external link checkers (like Check My Links or Dead Link Checker)
- If a site is down, find an alternative resource or remove the link
Best for: Blogs, news sites, and businesses that link to third-party content.
Automate Error Monitoring & Alerts
Set up systems to detect and fix issues automatically.
- Use Google Analytics to track 404 error pages
- Set up alerts in Google Search Console
- Use log file analysis to detect server-side errors
Best for: Businesses that want a proactive approach to site maintenance.
Create a Custom 404 Page to Reduce Bounce Rates
Even with prevention, 404 errors can still happen. A user-friendly 404 page helps keep visitors engaged.
- Add a search bar to help users find what they need
- Include links to popular pages
- Maintain your site’s branding for a seamless experience
Best for: Any website that wants to retain visitors even after an error.
Preventing 404 errors is easier than fixing them after they occur.
- Plan your URLs carefully
- Monitor broken links regularly
- Use redirects smartly
- Keep an eye on external links
By taking these steps, you’ll improve SEO, enhance user experience, and protect your site’s reputation!
The Role of a Custom 404 Page
A custom 404 page is a specially designed page that appears when a visitor lands on a non-existent or broken URL on your website. Instead of showing a generic error message, a custom 404 page improves user experience and reduces bounce rates.
Why a Custom 404 Page Matters
Improves User Experience (UX)
A default 404 page is confusing and frustrating. A well-designed custom 404 page guides users back to useful content instead of leaving them stuck.
Reduces Bounce Rate
If visitors land on a broken page and find helpful links, they are more likely to stay and continue browsing your website.
Helps Retain SEO Value
A proper 404 page with navigation links and a search bar ensures visitors don’t immediately leave your site, which helps maintain SEO rankings.
Encourages User Engagement
A creative 404 page with humor, visuals, or interactive elements can engage users and keep them on your site.
Provides Branding Opportunity
A custom 404 page reinforces your brand identity by maintaining a consistent design and tone.
What Should a Good Custom 404 Page Include?
A Friendly Message – Avoid technical jargon like “404 Not Found.” Instead, use simple language like:
“Oops! This page doesn’t exist.”
“Looks like you’re lost! Let’s help you find your way.”
A Search Bar – Allows users to quickly find the content they were looking for.
Navigation Links – Include links to popular pages, such as:
- Homepage
- Blog
- Services or Products
- Contact Page
A Call to Action (CTA) – Encourage users to subscribe, contact support, or explore related content.
Creative Elements – Use humor, images, or animations to make the experience less frustrating.
Example of a Good Custom 404 Page
Message: “Oops! This page is missing, but don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of great content for you.”
Links: Homepage | Blog | Search Bar
Bonus: A funny image or engaging animation
Bonus Tip
A custom 404 page doesn’t fix broken links, but it helps minimize frustration and keep users engaged. Pair it with regular site audits to proactively fix 404 errors.
Would you like help designing one for your site?
1. What is a 404 error?
A 404 error occurs when a webpage cannot be found. This typically happens when a URL is broken, deleted, or mistyped.
2. How do 404 errors affect SEO?
Too many 404 errors can hurt your SEO by creating a poor user experience and reducing search engine crawl efficiency.
3. How can I check for 404 errors on my website?
You can use tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to scan for broken links and missing pages.
4. What should I do if I find a 404 error on my site?
- Fix broken links
- Redirect users using a 301 redirect
- Restore deleted content if necessary
5. Should I always redirect a 404 error?
Not always. If the page is permanently gone and has no replacement, it’s better to leave it as a 404. If there’s a similar page, use a 301 redirect.
6. Can I customize my 404 error page?
Yes! A custom 404 page improves user experience. Include helpful links, a search bar, and a friendly message to guide visitors.
7. How can I prevent future 404 errors?
Plan a consistent URL structure, update internal links, monitor broken links regularly, and set up automatic alerts in Google Search Console.
8. Do 404 errors slow down my website?
Not directly, but too many broken links can cause search engines to waste time crawling useless pages instead of valuable content.
9. What’s the difference between a 404 and a 410 error?
A 404 error means a page is missing but might return. A 410 error tells search engines that the page is gone permanently and should be removed from search results.
10. How often should I check for 404 errors?
At least once a month, especially if you update your site frequently. Set up automated monitoring to catch issues early.
