404 errors on your website can be frustrating. They upset both you and your visitors. The problem occurs when a page cannot be found on your server. This can happen in a number of ways, such as a broken link, an incorrect URL, or a deleted page. Fortunately, fixing a 404 error is fairly easy. In the following guide, we will show you step-by-step how to detect and fix 404 errors on your website.
What is a 404 Error?
A 404 error is a message you see when a web page cannot be found. It happens when you try to visit a page that either doesn’t exist anymore or the link is broken. For example, if someone deletes a page from their website or types the wrong URL, your browser will show this error.
This error tells both visitors and search engines like Google that the page is missing. While one or two 404 errors are normal, too many can confuse visitors and harm your site’s reputation. That’s why it’s important to find and fix these errors quickly.
Why Should You Fix 404 Errors?
- Improves User Experience: Visitors who see a 404 error might leave your site. This can reduce your traffic.
- Boosts SEO: Search engines like Google penalize sites with many 404 errors. This can lower your site’s ranking.
- Reduces desired traffic: Broken links can lead to lost traffic. This is especially important for sales or product pages.
Simple Steps to Fix 404 Error Quickly
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Identify the Source of the 404 Error
- Google Search Console: Use Google Search Console to identify pages returning 404 errors. Navigate to the “Coverage” report, where you’ll see a list of URLs with errors.
- Analytics Tools: Use tools like Google Analytics to track 404 errors. You can set up a custom report or alert for ‘Page Not Found’ events.
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Redirect the Broken URL
- If the page has been moved or deleted, set up a 301 redirect to guide users to the correct page. This can be done using a plugin (like Redirection for WordPress) or by editing your .htaccess file.
- Example: Redirect 301 /old-page/ https://www.yourwebsite.com/new-page/
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Restore the Missing Page
- If the page was accidentally deleted and is still relevant, consider restoring it. And if you have a backup of your site, restore the missing contents.
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Update Internal Links
- Ensure that all internal links on your website point to the correct URLs. Broken internal links can lead to 404 errors and disrupt the flow of your website.
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Submit the Updated URL to Google
- After fixing the issue, submit the updated URL to Google through the Search Console. This will prompt Google to recrawl the page and update its index.
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Create a Custom 404 Page
- Even with all precautions, some users may still encounter 404 errors. A custom 404 page can help users by guiding them to other parts of your site. It can offer a search bar or suggest related content.
Preventing 404 Errors in the Future
- Monitor Your Site Regularly: Check your site regularly with tools like Google Search Console. This helps you find 404 errors early before they become a bigger issue.
- Use a Link Checker: Link checkers can find broken links on your website. This lets you fix them quickly.
- Keep a Backup: Regular backups make it easy to restore any missing pages on your website.
Also, if you are having a problem with reCAPTCHA Badge then you can read our blog post “How to Remove reCAPTCHA Badge from Website”.
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FAQs About How to Fix 404 Error
1. What causes a 404 error on a website?
A 404 error happens when someone clicks on a link that goes to a page that doesn’t exist. It could be because the page was deleted, the URL was changed, or the link was typed wrong. These errors confuse both users and Google, so it’s important to find and fix them fast to protect your site’s SEO.
2. How to fix 404 error in WordPress?
First, use Google Search Console to find which pages are showing 404 errors. Then, install a plugin like Redirection to send those broken URLs to working pages. You can also recreate deleted content or fix internal links. This simple fix helps improve both user experience and Google rankings.
3. Is a 404 error bad for SEO?
Yes, too many 404 errors can hurt your SEO. They tell Google that your site has broken pages, which may lower your ranking. Users also leave quickly when they see a “Page Not Found” message, which increases the bounce rate. That’s why it’s important to fix 404s regularly and keep your site clean.
4. Can I redirect all 404 pages to my homepage?
Redirecting all 404s to your homepage is not a good idea. Google may treat this as a soft 404 if the content doesn’t match. Instead, redirect each broken link to the most relevant page. This keeps users on your site longer and helps your SEO stay strong and natural.
5. How often should I check for 404 errors?
You should check for 404 errors at least once a month. Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Broken Link Checker to scan your site. Finding and fixing these issues early helps your site stay healthy and ensures a better experience for visitors and search engines alike.
Conclusion: Fixing 404 Errors Is Simple If You Know What to Do
A 404 error might seem small, but it can hurt your website’s traffic and trust. When people land on a “Page Not Found,” they often leave, and Google may lower your rankings too.
In this guide, you learned how to fix 404 errors step by step, like using Google Search Console to find broken pages, creating proper redirects, fixing wrong links, and setting up a helpful 404 page. These small steps make a big difference. They help keep your visitors happy and your website healthy in Google’s eyes.
If you don’t have time or feel unsure, don’t worry. Our team at SEO Service Care can fix 404 errors for you quickly and professionally.
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