A 404 error, also known as “Not Found,” is an HTTP status code returned when a server cannot locate the requested webpage. This error occurs when users attempt to access a URL that does not exist on the server, either because it has been deleted, moved without proper redirection, or mistyped by the user.

Causes of 404 Errors:

  • Deleted Pages: When pages are removed from a website without setting up redirects.
  • URL Changes: Alterations in URL structure without implementing proper redirection strategies.
  • Typographical Errors: Mistyped URLs by users or incorrect links on websites.

Impact on Websites:

404 errors can negatively affect user experience and SEO:

  • User Experience: Encountering frequent 404 errors can frustrate users and lead them to abandon the site, reducing engagement and trust.
  • SEO Impact: While occasional 404 errors are normal, excessive occurrences can hinder search engine crawling efficiency and indexing, potentially affecting rankings.

Types of 404 Errors:

  • Hard 404s: The server returns a true 404 status code indicating the page is not found.
  • Soft 404s: The server returns a different status code (e.g., 200 OK) but displays a “not found” message, which can confuse search engines.

Examples:

  • A user following an outdated link encounters a 404 error because the page has been deleted without redirection.
  • A website restructuring changes URLs but fails to implement redirects, leading to multiple 404 errors.

Best Practices for Handling 404 Errors:

  • Custom Error Pages: Create informative custom 404 pages that guide users back to functional parts of the site or provide search functionality.
  • Regular Audits: Use tools like Google Search Console or site audit software to identify and fix broken links causing 404 errors.
  • Implement Redirects: Where possible, use 301 redirects to guide users from deleted or changed pages to relevant content.

Managing 404 errors effectively is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and preserving SEO integrity. By proactively addressing these errors through audits and redirects, website owners can minimize their impact on both users and search engines.