The 404 error, also known as “Not Found,” is a standard HTTP response code indicating that the server could not find the requested resource. This error is common on the web and can have various causes, including broken links, moved content, or mistyped URLs. In this article, we will explore the 404 error in detail, including how to identify and resolve it effectively.

What is a 404 Error?

When a user tries to access a webpage that does not exist or cannot be found, the server returns a 404 error. This error means that while the server is reachable, the specific page or resource is not available. The typical 404 error message might look like this:

Common Causes of 404 Errors

1. Broken Links: Links pointing to non-existent pages or resources.
2. Moved or Deleted Content: Pages that have been moved or deleted without proper redirection.
3. Mistyped URLs: Users entering incorrect URLs.
4. Incorrect Domain Name System (DNS) Settings: DNS issues leading to incorrect routing.
5. Server Configuration Issues: Problems with server settings or .htaccess files.

Finding 404 Errors

1. Manual Checking

• Browser: Manually type URLs in the browser to check if they return a 404 error.
• Internal Links: Navigate through your website and click on internal links to ensure they are working.

2. Google Search Console

• Crawl Errors Report: Use the Crawl Errors report in Google Search Console to identify 404 errors on your site.
• Coverage Report: Check the Coverage report for URLs marked as “Not found (404).”

3. Website Crawlers

• Tools: Use tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or Sitebulb to crawl your website and identify broken links and 404 errors.
• Reports: Generate detailed reports to pinpoint the exact locations of these errors.

4. Server Logs

• Access Logs: Check your server access logs to identify 404 error responses.
• Error Logs: Review error logs for more detailed information about the errors.

Fixing 404 Errors

1. Redirects

• 301 Redirects: Set up 301 redirects from the old URL to the new URL using your .htaccess file or CMS.
• Plugins: Use WordPress plugins like Redirection to manage redirects easily.

2. Update Links

• Internal Links: Update broken internal links on your website.
• Backlinks: Reach out to external sites linking to your pages and request them to update their links.

3. Restore Deleted Content

• Backup: If you have a backup of the deleted content, restore it to its original URL.
• Similar Content: If restoring the original content is not possible, create new content that closely matches what was originally there.

4. Correct Mistyped URLs

• Spelling: Ensure all URLs are correctly spelled and formatted.
• Canonical Tags: Use canonical tags to avoid issues with URL variations.

5. Improve User Experience

• Custom 404 Page: Create a custom 404 error page that helps users navigate back to your site. Include a search bar, popular links, and a friendly message.

Preventing Future 404 Errors

1. Regular Audits: Perform regular audits of your website to identify and fix broken links.
2. Monitoring Tools: Set up monitoring tools like Google Analytics or custom scripts to alert you of 404 errors.
3. Content Management: Implement a content management system (CMS) that automatically handles URL changes and redirections.
4. Link Checker Plugins: Use link checker plugins for your CMS to periodically scan and fix broken links.

Conclusion

404 errors can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings if left unresolved. By understanding the causes and implementing effective solutions, you can ensure a smoother, more reliable browsing experience for your users. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to preventing and quickly addressing 404 errors on your website.

FAQs about 404 Errors

1. What is a 404 error?

Ans : A 404 error indicates that the server cannot find the requested page.

2. Why do 404 errors occur?

Ans : They occur due to broken links, mistyped URLs, moved or deleted content, or incorrect server configuration.

3. How can I find 404 errors on my website?

Ans : Use tools like Google Search Console, website crawlers, and check server logs.

4. What is a 301 redirect?

Ans : A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another, preserving SEO value.

5. How do I implement a 301 redirect?

Ans : You can implement 301 redirects via your server’s .htaccess file or through your CMS.

6. Can 404 errors affect SEO?

Ans : Yes, 404 errors can negatively impact your site’s SEO and user experience.

7. What should a custom 404 page include?

Ans : It should include navigation options, a search bar, and links to popular content.

8. How often should I check for 404 errors?

Ans : Regularly, ideally monthly or quarterly, depending on your site’s size and activity.

9. Can I recover deleted pages?

Ans : Yes, you can recreate and republish deleted pages if necessary.

10. What is the difference between a 404 and a soft 404?

Ans : A soft 404 occurs when a page displays a “not found” message without returning a proper 404 status code.

11. Can plugins help manage 404 errors?

Ans : Yes, there are many plugins available for CMS platforms to help manage and redirect 404 errors.

12. Is it possible to prevent 404 errors completely?

Ans : While it’s challenging to prevent all 404 errors, regular maintenance and monitoring can minimize them.

13. Do 404 errors affect website speed?

Ans : Not directly, but they can affect user experience, which can indirectly impact site performance.

14. Can I use JavaScript for redirects?

Ans : Yes, but server-side redirects like 301 are preferred for SEO purposes.

15. What is a 302 redirect?

Ans : A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect, indicating that the resource has moved temporarily.

16. Should I fix 404 errors on external links?

Ans : While you can’t fix them directly, you can notify the site owner or remove the link from your site.

17. How do I handle 404 errors on large websites?

Ans : Use automated tools for monitoring and fixing broken links regularly.

18. Can Google penalize my site for 404 errors?

Ans : Google doesn’t penalize sites for 404 errors, but they can affect user experience and SEO.

19. What is a sitemap?

Ans : A sitemap is a file that lists all the pages on your website, helping search engines index your content.

20. How do I submit a sitemap to Google?

Ans : You can submit your sitemap via Google Search Console.