A 404 error is one of the most common issues users encounter while browsing a website. If a visitor lands on a 404 page, it means they couldn't find the content they were looking for—leading to frustration and potentially lost customers. For website owners, frequent 404 errors can impact search engine rankings and user experience.
But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explain why 404 errors happen, how to fix them, and how to prevent them from occurring in the future.
A 404 error is an HTTP status code indicating that the requested page could not be found. This means the browser cannot load the page because:
Several factors can lead to a 404 error:
Experiencing a 404 error can be frustrating, but there are several effective solutions to resolve it. Follow these steps:
One of the simplest fixes is verifying the URL for typos or incorrect formatting. A small spelling mistake can lead to a 404 error.
Cached data may cause a page to return a 404 error even if it exists. Try refreshing the page (Ctrl + R or Cmd + R) or clearing your browser cache.
If you have broken internal links, update them to point to the correct pages. For external links, reach out to website owners and request a correction.
If the page was moved or renamed, set up a 301 redirect to forward visitors from the old URL to the new one. This helps maintain SEO value and ensures a smooth user experience.
A well-designed custom 404 page can keep visitors engaged. Include:
For WordPress and other CMS platforms, an incorrect .htaccess file can cause 404 errors. Try resetting the file or updating permalink settings.
Use SEO tools to find and fix broken links:
If a page was deleted by mistake, you can restore it or recreate it with updated content.
To avoid 404 errors, follow these best practices:
A 404 error can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings. By regularly checking your site, setting up redirects, and optimizing error pages, you can reduce frustration and improve site performance.
