Have you ever tried to open a webpage but your browser showed you this message; “Error 404”? We’ve all seen this message at least once somewhere, but do you know what it means? Join us for this quick read to learn what the 404 code means, why it happens, and how to deal with it when it occurs on your website as it has a remarkable negative impact on your SEO plan and needs to be dealt with immediately.
What is a 404?
A 404 error is a common HTTP reply code that signifies the server was unable to locate the requested resource or domain. If you visit a website and see a 404 error, it indicates that the URL you requested could not be found on the server. An incorrect URL, a removed or relocated page, or an incorrect link are just a few possible causes for this.
The "404" number belongs to the set of three-digit HTTP status codes, each of which indicates the state of the resource that was requested. A 404 error precisely indicates that the resource you requested could not be located on the server.
Why Does a 404 Error Happen?
When a 404 error occurs, it means that there might’ve been a mistake on either your end as a user or the developers’ end. Here are some good examples of that:
- Incorrect URL:
When you encounter page 404, don’t be so quick to leave the webpage because the mistake might be on your end. The server might not be able to locate the related resource if you write the URL incorrectly in the address bar or click on a link that contains a typo. So, always double-check the URL before jumping to conclusions.
- Deleted or Moved Page:
If the webpage you requested has been removed or moved to another location on the server, the URL that belongs to the old webpage location will typically result in a 404 error.
- URL Structure Changes:
If a website gets a redesign or restructure, the URLs of particular sections may change. If the old URL addresses weren't all appropriately converted to the new ones, users may see 404 errors while trying to visit the old URLs.
- Expired or Broken Hyperlinks:
Websites might include hyperlinks to external resources; 404 errors may occur if those resources are no longer functional or have moved or modified their URLs.
What is The Negative Impact of a Page 404 on a Website's SEO Plan?
A 404 error can have several and remarkable negative effects on your website’s SEO plan. Here are a few good examples of that:
- User Experience Impact:
When users get a 404 error, it can be a very frustrating experience for them, especially if they have been searching for a specific piece of information or content. Improper user experience can result in poorer overall user satisfaction, less time spent on the website, and higher bounce rates.
- Loss of Credibility:
Frequent or widespread 404 errors may take away your website's credibility and reputation. It can give the impression of a poorly maintained or outdated site, which would make your website look like it isn't trustworthy.
- Search Engine Crawling and Indexing Issues:
Crawlers from search engines visit web pages on an ongoing basis to index their material. Search engines may find it difficult to index and comprehend the structure of your website if key pages produce 404 errors, which could have an impact on how well you rank.
- Negative Impact on SEO Rankings:
When search engines meet frequent 404 errors, they may perceive it as an indication of inadequate content management or an untrustworthy website. This can severely affect your SEO rankings, leading to reduced exposure in search engine result pages.
- Negative Impact on Crawling Budget:
When crawling, search engines assign a specific amount of resources (called a crawling budget) to every website. If a large percentage of your website produces 404 errors, search engines might take a lot of time to crawl and index your important material.
How to Fix a Page 404:
Finding the error's source and taking the necessary action to correct it is the first step in resolving page 404 on your website. The following common procedures can be used to diagnose and resolve 404 problems on your website:
- Check The URL:
Examine the URL a second time to make sure it is correct and free of mistakes and errors, and check the path and capitalization.
- Review Server Logs:
Look through your server logs for any particular error messages or patterns associated with 404 problems. This may shed light on the underlying reason.
- Check for Deleted or Moved Pages:
Consider restoring the page or setting up a link that redirects to the new URL if the 404 error is the result of a lost or moved page. A CMS (content management system) or server configurations can be used for this.
- Use Google Search Console:
If you have registered your website with Google Search Console, make sure to use it regularly to monitor your website for crawl errors. You can use this to find out which individual URLs are problematic as well.
- Monitor Website Changes:
Update and preserve the content and structure of your website; keep an eye out for structural changes and consider how they may affect existing URLs.
- Custom 404 Page:
Make a unique 404 error page that offers users useful information. Some ideas include proposing that they go to the homepage, including a search tool, or giving their contact details to the support team.
Finally:
It is essential to quickly address and replace broken links, put in place appropriate redirects for moved or deleted pages, and routinely check your website for crawl issues in order to lessen the adverse impact of 404 errors on your website's SEO.
