How to Fix a 404 Error on Your Website

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A 404 error is one of the most common issues website owners face. It occurs when a web browser requests a page that the server cannot find. The error usually appears in the format of a message such as “404 Not Found” or “The requested URL was not found on this server.”

Although this issue is widespread and may seem harmless, persistent 404 errors can impact user experience, affect your website’s search engine ranking, and lead to lost traffic. Fixing these errors is critical to maintaining a well-functioning site. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about 404 errors, their causes, and how to fix them efficiently.

What Is a 404 Error?

A 404 error is a client-side error that indicates the browser successfully communicated with the server, but the server could not find the requested page or resource. It’s part of the HTTP status code response to indicate that the server cannot locate the requested webpage.

The standard 404 error page typically displays something like:

  • 404 Not Found
  • Error 404
  • Page Not Found
  • The requested URL was not found on this server.

When visitors encounter this, it can be frustrating, as it suggests that a link or URL they clicked or typed no longer exists. The page they are seeking could have been moved or deleted, or the URL may have been mistyped.

Why Fix 404 Errors?

Although occasional 404 errors are almost inevitable, excessive occurrences can have negative consequences:

  1. User Experience: Visitors who land on a 404 error page may become frustrated and leave your website altogether. A poor user experience can reduce engagement and harm your reputation.
  2. SEO Impact: Search engines like Google assess your website based on how functional and navigable it is. Multiple 404 errors can lead to lower rankings in search results, which could mean less traffic to your site.
  3. Lost Traffic: If users can’t find what they’re looking for due to broken links, you risk losing potential customers and conversions.

Common Causes of 404 Errors

Understanding what causes 404 errors will help you avoid them in the future. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  1. Broken Links: A broken link occurs when the URL of a resource is incorrect, deleted, or no longer exists. If a page is moved without proper redirection, any links to the original page will lead to a 404 error.
  2. Incorrect URL: Sometimes, users mistype a URL or click on an outdated link from another site. Even small mistakes in URL syntax can result in a 404 error.
  3. Deleted or Moved Pages: If you delete or move a page but don’t implement a proper redirect, users trying to access that page will encounter a 404 error.
  4. Server Misconfigurations: Sometimes server settings are improperly configured, leading to 404 errors. This could include problems with file permissions or the web server’s configuration files.
  5. DNS Errors: If your domain’s DNS settings are not correctly configured, users might get 404 errors even when the requested page exists.

Identifying 404 Errors on Your Website

Before you can fix a 404 error, you need to identify where it occurs. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Use Google Search Console

Google Search Console is one of the most effective tools for identifying 404 errors on your site. Here’s how to check for 404 errors:

  • Log in to your Google Search Console account.
  • Under the “Index” section, click on “Coverage.”
  • Look for errors that are labeled as “Not Found (404)” under the list of detected issues.

This report will show you which URLs are returning a 404 error and how many times they’ve been crawled by Google.

2. Check Your Website Analytics

Google Analytics can also help identify 404 errors by tracking user behavior. Set up a custom report or a filter in Google Analytics to find which URLs result in a 404 error.

Here’s how to track 404 errors in Google Analytics:

  • Go to Behavior → Site Content → All Pages.
  • Use a filter to show pages with a title containing “404” or the text of your custom error page.

3. Manually Check Links

Sometimes, manual checking of your website’s key pages is necessary. Clicking through the site’s internal and external links will help you spot any broken links that may cause 404 errors.

4. Use Crawling Tools

Tools like Screaming Frog and Ahrefs have website crawlers that can scan your site and report on 404 errors. These tools give you a comprehensive list of broken links, missing pages, or incorrect redirects.

How to Fix 404 Errors

Once you’ve identified the 404 errors on your website, the next step is fixing them. There are several methods you can use depending on the cause of the error.

1. Redirecting the Broken URL

One of the easiest and most effective ways to fix a 404 error is to redirect the broken or missing URL to an existing page. You can use 301 redirects for this purpose. A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another and tells search engines that the page has moved.

Here’s how you can set up 301 redirects:

  • For WordPress Sites: You can use plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO to manage redirects easily.
  • Using .htaccess File: For Apache servers, you can manually add the following code to your .htaccess file:
  Redirect 301 /old-page-url http://www.example.com/new-page-url

This ensures that users and search engines are sent to the correct page when they try to access a deleted or moved page.

2. Correct the URL

If the error is caused by a simple typo in the URL, you can correct it. This might involve updating the URL in your site’s navigation menu, correcting links within the content, or ensuring that external websites are linking to the correct URL.

3. Restore the Deleted Page

If you deleted the page and it’s still valuable to users, consider restoring it. Make sure the content is updated if necessary, and ensure the URL structure remains consistent to avoid further 404 errors.

4. Update Links

Internal and external links can often lead to 404 errors if not updated when the website structure changes. Perform an audit of your website and fix or remove any outdated links that point to nonexistent pages.

5. Create a Custom 404 Error Page

Even after fixing most 404 errors, there will always be occasional instances where users land on a non-existent page. In such cases, it’s a good idea to have a custom 404 error page that can guide users back to the site.

An effective 404 page should:

  • Provide a clear message that the page cannot be found.
  • Include links to your homepage or other popular sections of your site.
  • Offer a search bar so users can find what they’re looking for.
  • Use a friendly tone that keeps the user engaged.

Here’s an example of what a custom 404 page might look like:

Oops! We can't seem to find the page you're looking for.
- Head back to our homepage [link].
- Use the search bar below to find what you need.

This can help reduce bounce rates by keeping users on your site even when they encounter an error.

6. Fix DNS or Server Misconfigurations

If your 404 errors are caused by server or DNS issues, you may need to consult with your hosting provider or developer. Ensure your domain’s DNS settings are correct, and check for any misconfigurations in the server’s .htaccess file or other settings.

7. Use Google’s “Fetch as Google” Tool

After fixing a 404 error, it’s a good idea to notify Google that the issue has been resolved. You can do this through Google Search Console by using the Fetch as Google tool. Here’s how:

  • Log in to Google Search Console.
  • Go to the URL Inspection tool.
  • Enter the URL that previously returned a 404 error and click Fetch.

If Google successfully fetches the page, it means the error has been fixed, and the page can be re-indexed.

Preventing Future 404 Errors

Fixing 404 errors is important, but preventing them is even better. Here are some best practices for minimizing the occurrence of 404 errors on your site:

1. Implement 301 Redirects for Moved Pages

Whenever you change a page’s URL or move it to a different location, ensure you set up a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new one. This ensures that visitors and search engines are automatically sent to the right page.

2. Use Consistent URL Structures

Changing your website’s URL structure frequently can lead to more 404 errors. Whenever possible, keep your URLs consistent and avoid making unnecessary changes.

3. Monitor Your Site for Broken Links

Regularly check your website for broken links. There are many tools available, such as Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and Ahrefs, that can automate this process and help you catch errors early.

4. Check External Links

If your website receives significant traffic from external links, it’s important to periodically check whether those links are still valid. Use backlink checking tools like Ahrefs or Moz to see which external websites are linking to your site and whether those links point to non-existent pages. When you find broken external links, you can reach out to the webmasters of those sites and request that they update the link or, alternatively, create a redirect on your own site.

5. Set Up an XML Sitemap

An XML sitemap is a list of all the important pages on your website that search engines use to crawl your site more effectively. Submitting a sitemap to Google and other search engines can help ensure that your pages are indexed correctly, and it reduces the risk of 404 errors when pages are moved or changed.

6. Keep Your Website Updated

Outdated plugins, themes, or content management systems (CMS) can sometimes lead to 404 errors, especially after updates or migrations. Make sure your website’s software is regularly updated, and that any changes are tested thoroughly.

7. Conduct Regular Audits

Regular website audits will help you stay on top of any potential issues, including broken links, outdated content, and errors like 404s. Use tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, Screaming Frog, and others to routinely check for errors.

Customizing the User Experience on 404 Pages

While fixing the technical aspects of 404 errors is critical, you can also take the opportunity to optimize your custom 404 page to improve user experience. A well-designed 404 page can turn a potentially negative interaction into a positive one.

1. Use Humor and Creativity

A touch of humor or creativity can make the user experience more engaging. Many websites take a light-hearted approach with their 404 error pages, incorporating funny images, witty text, or even mini-games. For example:

  • GitHub features a humorous octocat mascot on their 404 page.
  • Netflix uses a still from one of their popular shows along with an amusing error message.
  • LEGO includes playful imagery of their famous blocks and characters.

This creative approach can help alleviate the frustration users may feel when landing on a 404 page and may encourage them to stay on the site.

2. Provide Useful Links

Your custom 404 page should act as a roadmap to other parts of your website. Consider including:

  • A link back to your homepage.
  • Links to your most popular or recent content.
  • A search bar to help users find what they’re looking for.

The goal is to reduce bounce rates by giving users a clear path forward rather than simply informing them that the page is missing.

3. Include a Call to Action (CTA)

A well-designed 404 page can include a call to action, encouraging users to stay engaged with your site. For instance:

  • Newsletter sign-up: “Can’t find what you’re looking for? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated!”
  • Browse more products: “Lost? Check out our featured products.”
  • Contact support: “Need help? Reach out to our support team!”

By offering alternatives or ways to engage further, you can turn a negative experience into an opportunity.

4. Maintain Brand Consistency

Ensure that your custom 404 page aligns with your brand’s overall aesthetic and tone. A well-designed page that matches your site’s color scheme, fonts, and voice can make the user experience feel more seamless, even in the face of an error.

5. Provide Clear Navigation Options

A good 404 page should offer clear, easy-to-navigate options. Users should be able to quickly find their way back to the content they’re seeking or to other relevant sections of your site. You can include:

  • A clear and bold link to the homepage.
  • Navigation menus similar to the ones on other pages of your site.
  • A contact form or link to customer support for assistance.

By ensuring that users have clear pathways from the error page, you can reduce frustration and retain traffic that might otherwise leave.

Tracking and Monitoring 404 Errors Over Time

After fixing the initial round of 404 errors, you need to keep an eye on them to ensure new errors don’t appear. Here’s how you can monitor and track them continuously:

1. Monitor Google Search Console Regularly

Keep checking Google Search Console’s Coverage report periodically to see if any new 404 errors have cropped up. Fix them as they arise to prevent SEO issues and poor user experience.

2. Set Up Alerts in Google Analytics

You can set up custom alerts in Google Analytics that notify you whenever a spike in 404 errors occurs. This way, you can immediately address any new broken links or missing pages before they affect a significant portion of your users.

3. Use Automatic Monitoring Tools

There are several tools available that will monitor your website and alert you when new 404 errors occur. Tools like Pingdom, UptimeRobot, and Screaming Frog can regularly scan your website and notify you when they detect broken links or server errors.

Advanced Techniques for Fixing and Preventing 404 Errors

1. Handling Dynamic URLs and Parameters

If your website uses dynamic URLs with parameters, it’s essential to ensure that the parameters don’t lead to 404 errors. For example, eCommerce sites often have dynamic product URLs that include query parameters for categories, sorting options, or filtering.

To avoid 404 errors with dynamic URLs, consider:

  • Canonicalization: Use canonical tags to specify the preferred version of a URL to avoid duplicate content and prevent 404 errors caused by incorrect parameter usage.
  • URL Rewriting: Use server-side URL rewriting to convert complex dynamic URLs into cleaner, user-friendly URLs that are less prone to errors.

2. Handling Soft 404 Errors

A soft 404 error occurs when a page returns a “200 OK” status but displays a “Page Not Found” message or has no meaningful content. While this isn’t a true 404 error, it can still harm your SEO. Google can detect soft 404 errors, and these pages may be deindexed.

To fix soft 404s:

  • Ensure that all pages returning a “200 OK” status have meaningful content.
  • Use 301 redirects or create custom 404 pages for truly missing content instead of displaying empty or low-value pages.

3. Fixing 404 Errors in Multi-Language Websites

If your website supports multiple languages, you need to make sure that all language versions of your site are properly linked and that no broken URLs exist in any language.

  • Hreflang Implementation: Use the hreflang attribute to tell search engines which language and regional versions of a page to display to users.
  • Cross-Language Redirects: Ensure that if a page in one language is removed or moved, users in other languages are properly redirected to the corresponding version.

4. Automating Redirects for Site Migrations

If you’re planning a significant website overhaul or migration (e.g., changing your CMS, URL structure, or moving to a new domain), it’s crucial to implement redirects systematically to prevent a surge of 404 errors.

Here’s what to do:

  • Create a Redirect Plan: Before migration, list all current URLs and map them to their new URLs. Automate 301 redirects using server configuration or plugins.
  • Monitor Post-Migration: After the migration, continuously monitor for 404 errors to catch any URLs that were missed during the redirection setup.

5. Setting Up a 404 Log

A good practice is to set up a log that tracks all 404 errors that users encounter on your website. You can configure your server to log these errors or use plugins and tools (such as the Redirection plugin for WordPress) that record each 404 error along with the URL the user tried to access. This allows you to catch 404s that might not be flagged in Google Search Console or Analytics.

Conclusion

404 errors are inevitable for any website, but they don’t have to cause major disruptions to your traffic or user experience. By understanding the common causes of 404 errors, using tools to identify and track them, and applying the appropriate fixes (such as 301 redirects, URL corrections, and server settings), you can maintain a seamless experience for your users.

In addition to fixing the errors, consider creating a custom 404 page that is informative and engaging to retain visitors. And most importantly, continually monitor your website for new 404 errors and implement best practices to prevent them from happening in the future.

By proactively managing 404 errors, you can protect your website’s SEO, improve user experience, and ensure your visitors find what they’re looking for.