404 Errors: A Comprehensive Guide
What Are 404 Errors?
A 404 error is a “Page Not Found” error that pops up when someone tries to visit a page that doesn’t exist. This happens when a page is deleted, moved, or the URL is mistyped.
While 404 errors are a normal part of the web, they can mess with your user experience and SEO if you don’t handle them right.
Types of 404 Errors
Hard 404
A hard 404 is straightforward. The server clearly says, “Nope, this page doesn’t exist,” by returning a 404 status code. It’s like a dead end with a big “Do Not Enter” sign.
Soft 404
A soft 404 is sneakier. The server acts like everything’s fine (returning a 200 status code), but the page is basically useless—no content, no value. Soft 404s confuse both users and search engines, so they’re a bit trickier to deal with.
Why Do 404 Errors Happen?
404 errors can happen for a bunch of reasons. Here are the most common ones:
- Deleted or Moved Pages: Content gets removed or relocated without proper redirects.
- Broken Links: Internal or external links pointing to non-existent pages.
- URL Typos: Users or search engines mistype URLs.
- Website Migration: Changes in URL structure without implementing redirects.
- Server Misconfigurations: Issues like incorrect file paths or DNS errors.
How 404 Errors Affect Your Site
SEO Impact
404 errors can be a real headache for SaaS SEO. When search engines crawl your site and hit a bunch of 404s, they waste time on pages that don’t exist instead of indexing your good stuff. This is called wasting crawl budget, and it can hurt your rankings.
Another issue is lost link equity. If a page with backlinks returns a 404 error, all that SEO value from those links just disappears. And if users keep bouncing because of 404 errors, search engines might think your site isn’t very good, which can also hurt your rankings and revenue.
User Experience Impact
From a user’s perspective, 404 errors are annoying. Imagine clicking on a link, excited to learn something or buy a product, only to hit a dead end. Frustrating, right? That frustration can lead to higher bounce rates and fewer conversions.
Plus, if 404 errors happen too often, users might start to think your site is unreliable, which isn’t great for your brand.
How to Fix 404 Errors
1. Implement 301 Redirects
If a page is gone for good, set up a 301 redirect to send users and search engines to a relevant, existing page. This keeps the SEO value of the old page and makes sure visitors land somewhere useful.
Just don’t go overboard—redirecting every single 404 error isn’t necessary. Focus on pages that actually get traffic or have backlinks.
2. Create Custom 404 Pages
A custom 404 page can turn a frustrating experience into a positive one. Instead of a generic “Page Not Found” message, give users helpful options like links to popular pages, a search bar, or even a little humor to lighten the mood.
A well-designed 404 page can keep users on your site and even guide them to where they need to go.
3. Run Regular Audits
Use tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or Ahrefs to find and fix broken links and 404 errors. Regular audits are especially important after site migrations or big content updates. The sooner you catch and fix 404 errors, the better.
4. Update Internal Links
Broken internal links are a common cause of 404 errors. Make sure all the links on your site point to valid URLs. This not only prevents 404 errors but also helps search engines crawl your site more effectively.
5. Monitor and Track
Set up alerts to notify you when 404 errors pop up. The faster you know about them, the faster you can fix them. Tools like Google Search Console can help you stay on top of this.
FAQs About 404 Errors
What’s the difference between hard and soft 404 errors?
Hard 404s return a 404 status code, meaning the page is definitely gone. Soft 404s return a 200 status code but show an error page, which confuses search engines and wastes crawl budget.
How do 404 errors affect SEO?
They waste crawl budget, lose link equity, and harm user experience, all of which can hurt your rankings.
Should I redirect every 404 error?
No. Only redirect pages that get traffic or have backlinks. For unimportant pages, let them return a 404 or 410 status code.
How often should I check for 404 errors?
Regularly, especially after site migrations or content updates. Tools like Google Search Console can help automate this process.
What’s the best way to handle 404 errors for deleted pages?
If the page is permanently gone and won’t be replaced, use a 410 status code to signal permanent deletion. If the page has been moved, use a 301 redirect to send users and search engines to the new location.
Can 404 errors affect my site’s rankings?
Yes. If search engines encounter too many 404 errors, they might think your site is poorly maintained, which can hurt your rankings.
What tools can I use to find 404 errors?
Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, and SEMrush are all great tools for identifying 404 errors.
How do I create a custom 404 page?
Design a page that matches your site’s branding and includes helpful navigation options like links to your homepage, popular pages, and a search bar. Adding a touch of humor or a visually appealing design can also improve the user experience.
What’s the difference between a 404 and a 410 status code?
A 404 status code means the page isn’t found, but it might come back. A 410 status code means the page is gone for good and won’t be returning.
How do I fix broken internal links?
Use a tool like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to crawl your site and identify broken internal links. Once you find them, update the links to point to valid URLs.
Can external links cause 404 errors?
Yes. If another site links to a page on your site that no longer exists, it can cause a 404 error. Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor external links and set up redirects if necessary.
