A 404 Error is an HTTP status code that indicates that a requested web page could not be found on the server. This message is generated when the specified URL does not match any page on the server, leaving the user without the desired content. Rather than returning a non-existent page or a blank screen, the server sends a 404 code to indicate that the resource could not be found or never existed at the specified URL.
404 codes or errors can come from several common causes:
Broken Link : A link on a page points to a URL that has been changed or removed without proper redirection, creating a page that cannot be found.
URL Mistyped : The visitor types the URL incorrectly into the address bar, leading to a non-existent page.
For managing spatial data, time-series data, or multimedia content, for example, a dedicated database is made for the job. In contrast to general-purpose databases, it concentrates on enhancing processing, retrieval, storage, and performance for specialized special database applications. These databases are vital for sectors like banking, healthcare, and logistics, where effective and precise decision-making depend on specialized data management.
Page deletion or movement : A page is deleted or moved without a redirect (301) to another URL being put in place, leaving the old link active but without a destination.
Server Issue : In some cases, the server may have difficulty accessing the requested page, even though it exists, which can also trigger a 404 error.
Effect on user experience
When a visitor encounters a 404 error, it can create frustration and cause them to leave the website prematurely, increasing your bounce rate. A high bounce rate sends a negative signal, suggesting that your site’s content is irrelevant or that the navigation quality is poor. This situation, where users cannot find the information they want and do not continue their navigation on other pages, can degrade the user experience , which negatively influences your SEO strategy by indicating to search engines like Google that your site lacks value.
Impact on search ranking
404 errors can affect your website’s ranking in search results in a number of ways. For one, if crawlers attempt to access non-existent pages, this can lower the rank of those pages or even exclude them from the index after repetition. Additionally, deleted or moved pages that were accumulating quality backlinks can result in a loss of PageRank if they are not redirected properly. Inbound links are crucial for SEO rankings, and losing them due to a 404 error can create a problem for your site’s overall visibility.
Inefficient crawling by search engines
Web crawlers regularly crawl your website to index pages. When they encounter too many 404 errors, it can disrupt their crawling and reduce the effectiveness of indexing new pages or updates. Additionally, every website has a limited crawl budget, which is the number of pages that the crawlers are willing to crawl on each visit. If this budget is wasted on unnecessary 404 pages, it can reduce the frequency and effectiveness of indexing new pages and other important content.
Loss of confidence
A website with too many 404 errors can be perceived as poorly maintained, which can harm your online reputation . Internet users and browsers prefer reliable and well-maintained sites. As a result, your SEO rankings can suffer if you don’t fix these errors quickly.
Tools to detect 404 errors
Google Search Console : This free tool is essential for detecting 404 errors and monitoring the SEO health of your site in real time. Providing you with detailed reports and automatic notifications.
Screaming Frog : Known for its ability to buy telemarketing list comprehensively crawl sites, this tool can quickly identify 404 errors and broken links, providing a comprehensive view of the issues that need to be resolved.
Oncrawl : An advanced SEO audit tool, Oncrawl allows you to analyze 404 errors in depth, while optimizing the crawling and indexing of your site by search engines thanks to its detailed analyses.
Set up 301 redirects
301 redirects play a key role in effectively handling 404 errors. They serve as a permanent redirect, signaling to Google that a page has been permanently moved to a new URL. Using 301 redirects, such as through an .htaccess file , helps preserve the authority of the original page and directs users to relevant content. This strategy is especially useful when you delete or move pages that you don’t plan to restore. For example, after deleting a page that is still targeted by external or internal links, a 301 redirect to a similar or relevant page can preserve your link capital and ensure a smooth user journey.
Fix broken internal links
404 errors caused by bad internal links can easily frustrate site visitors. It is essential to fix them quickly to prevent them from landing on non-existent pages. Use tools like Screaming Frog to detect these broken links on your site. Make sure they point to existing pages and, if necessary, update them with the correct URLs. This not only improves the user experience, but also strengthens the consistency of your site.
Create a custom 404
Even with all precautions taken, some customers may encounter a 404 error. To improve their experience, create a customized 404 page that is both informative and helpful. Include a clear message that the page is missing, a search form to make navigation easier. Links to popular pages or major categories on your site, and a link back to the home page. A well-designed 404 page can not only reduce reader frustration. But also encourage them to stay on your site, turning a potentially negative session into a visitor retention opportunity .
Repair or replace external backlinks
External backlinks that point to a 404 error represent a loss not only in terms of potential traffic. But also in terms of link authority. Contact the owners of the sites that link to 404 pages on your website. Ask them to update their backlinks with the correct URL. If this is not possible consider setting up a 301 redirect from the old URL. To a relevant page to recover this traffic and preserve your SEO ranking.
A 404 page should include several key elements to turn a negative into an opportunity to retain visitors. Here are the essential elements to include:
Clear and Polite Message
It is crucial to include a clear and polite message that informs that the requested page was not found. This message should be accompanied by a simple explanation and a solution to help the reader find. What they are looking for. The tone should be friendly to reduce frustration and encourage users to stay on the site. Adding a form is essential to allow users to search directly on your website without having to return to the homepage or leave the site. This gives znb directory them an immediate alternative to find the content they want, improving their user journey. Include links to popular pages or top categories on your site.
A touch of creativity and humor
A touch of creativity and humor can make the 404 error more engaging and less frustrating for web users. By using humorous design or copy, you can turn a potentially negative feeling into a positive interaction. Which helps strengthen your brand . To ensure a website without 404 errors and ensure smooth interaction. It is crucial to set up a regular maintenance routine. This routine should include frequent technical audits. Internal linking and backlinks using tools like Screaming Frog. GT Metrix or Google Search Console . For sites that encounter a significant number of 404 errors. The use of redirection plugins can considerably facilitate the management of this problem. These plugins allow you to create 301 redirects in bulk and in an automated manner. Thus reducing the time needed to correct errors. They are particularly useful for large sites. Where manual management of redirects would be too laborious.
If managing these strategies seems complex to you, do not hesitate to call on a specialized agency. For example the Churchill agency has a team of senior experts. Capable of supporting you in the maintenance of your website. Ensuring that it remains free of 404 errors and thus optimizing your SEO and user experience.
