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What does 404 Not Found mean?

Synonyms: Page not found error

The 404 Not Found is an HTTP status code that indicates the server could not find the requested resource. In simple terms, it means that the page or file you’re trying to access does not exist on the server. This is a client-side error, implying that the problem likely stems from a broken link, a mistyped URL, or a removed resource.

Why Do 404 Errors Happen?

There are several common reasons for encountering a 404 Not Found error:

  • Broken or outdated links: Sometimes referred to as “dead links,” these are links that point to a page that no longer exists or has been moved without a proper redirect.
  • Mistyped URL: If a user manually enters a URL incorrectly, the server won’t be able to find the page and will return a 404 error.
  • Page removal: When a page is deleted or its URL is changed without a redirect, visitors will see a 404 Not Found error when trying to access it.
  • Wrong domain: The error can also occur if the domain name itself is incorrect or misspelled.

How Does a 404 Impact SEO?

While one or two 404 errors won’t harm your website, having many broken links can negatively affect both user experience and SEO. Search engines like Google view sites with excessive 404 errors as poorly maintained, which can lead to lower search rankings. Here’s how to manage and minimize 404 errors:

Best Practices for Handling 404 Errors:

  1. Set up 301 redirects: If you remove or move a page, use a 301 redirect to send users to the new URL. This preserves the SEO value of the old page and avoids frustrating users.
  2. Custom 404 page: Create a helpful and user-friendly custom 404 error page. A well-designed 404 page can guide users back to the main site or suggest other relevant content, improving user experience.
  3. Monitor broken links: Regularly check your site for broken links using tools like Google Search Console or Broken Link Checker. These tools help you identify and fix pages returning 404 errors.
  4. Fix internal links: Ensure all internal links on your site point to valid pages. Internal 404 errors can frustrate users and decrease the time they spend on your site.

How to Create a Custom 404 Page

A custom 404 page should include the following elements to help users navigate your site:

  • Clear message: Acknowledge that the page they were looking for couldn’t be found.
  • Search bar: Allow users to search your site directly for the content they need.
  • Links to popular pages: Include links to your homepage or other high-traffic sections to keep users engaged.
  • Friendly design: Make the page visually appealing and consistent with the rest of your website’s branding.

Example of a Custom 404 Error Message:

<h1>Oops! Page Not Found</h1>
<p>We couldn’t find the page you’re looking for. Try searching below or return to the <a href="/">homepage</a>.</p>

How to Check for 404 Errors

You can identify 404 errors by using:

  • Google Search Console: This tool will notify you of any 404 errors that Google encounters while crawling your website.
  • Website monitoring tools: Tools like Screaming Frog can crawl your site to find any broken links or missing pages.