A 404 error is an HTTP status code that indicates a web page couldn’t be found on the hosting server. When you try to access a webpage that doesn’t exist or has been moved without redirecting, you’ll often see a “404 - Page Not Found” message.

This error code can occur for a variety of reasons, like typing in a wrong URL, clicking on broken or dead links, or accessing deleted pages. While it’s a common issue on the web, it’s a simple one to fix, especially with proper web development practices and tools like Google Search Console. Managing 404 errors is essential for ensuring a seamless user experience and maintaining your visibility in search results.

Why a 404 error happens

When you try to visit a page, your browser sends a request to the server where the page is hosted. If the server cannot find the requested page or resource, it returns a 404 error message. Here’s a breakdown of why this happens:

• Incorrect URL – A typo or an outdated link that doesn’t match any pages on the server.
• Deleted or moved pages – If a webpage is removed or its URL is changed without setting up a redirect, the server will return a 404 code.
• Broken links – External links from other websites pointing to a page that no longer exists will result in a 404 error.
• Server configuration issues – Sometimes server misconfigurations, such as problems in the .htaccess file, can lead to 404 errors.

Dead links can negatively impact a site’s ranking, and search engines like Google may lower its placement in search engine results pages (SERPs) or even stop indexing the site if too many 404 errors are detected. 

Impact of 404 errors

404 errors can negatively affect user experience and SEO:

• User experience – Encountering a 404 error can frustrate users and lead them to leave the site.
• SEO – Search engines may penalize sites with numerous 404 errors, reducing their search rankings.

Examples of 404 error page messages

Some websites choose to customize their 404 error pages to make them more user-friendly and even entertaining. Examples include:

• "Oops, looks like this page has gone missing!"
• "We can’t find what you’re looking for, but we’re here to help."
• "404 – This page is currently on a coffee break."

Even though it’s an error, these messages help keep users engaged and prevent frustration.

How to check for 404 errors

Regularly monitoring your site for 404 errors can help maintain a positive user experience:

• Google Search Console – Use Google Search Console to identify and fix 404 errors reported by search engines.
• Web Crawlers – Tools like Screaming Frog can crawl your site and report broken links and missing pages.
• Server Logs – Analyze server logs to identify requests that result in 404 errors.

How to fix a 404 error

If you're a website owner, here are a few ways to fix or prevent 404 errors:

• Update broken links – Check and fix broken internal and external links that may lead to a 404 page.
• Use redirects – If you’ve moved a page, set up a 301 redirect to automatically send users to the new location and maintain your search engine rankings.
• Fix typos – Double-check the URLs you provide on your site to ensure they are accurate.
• Create a custom 404 page – Design a user-friendly 404 page with helpful links to guide users to other sections of your site.

FAQs about 404 errors

What does a 404 error mean?

A 404 error means the page you’re looking for on a website can’t be accessed. This often happens when a page is deleted, moved without a redirect, or the URL is typed incorrectly. For website owners, managing 404 errors is crucial for maintaining a good user experience and SEO performance. Too many broken internal links can frustrate visitors and hurt your search rankings.

How can I avoid 404 errors?

Regularly check your website for broken links and keep your content updated. If pages are removed or relocated, make sure to set up 301 redirects to prevent users from encountering a 404 error.

What is a custom 404 page?

A custom 404 page is a personalized error page that appears when a user attempts to access a missing page. Instead of just showing the generic “Page Not Found” message, you can create a more engaging page that offers navigation options, contact info, or even a search bar to help users find what they’re looking for.

How can I track 404 errors on my website?

Using tools like Google Analytics or website crawlers, you can track and identify 404 errors on your site. These tools can generate reports on broken links and help you pinpoint where the errors are occurring.

How do I fix a 404 error on my website?

To fix a 404 error, start by checking the URL for any typos or incorrect links. If the URL is correct, ensure the page hasn't been deleted or moved. If it has, you can either update the link or create a redirect to a specific page that's relevant. Additionally, ensure that the page is properly indexed by search engines and doesn’t have any issues with web server configurations or permissions. To avoid a poor user experience, consider adding a custom 404 error page with useful links or a search bar to guide visitors.

What are the key components of an effective 404 page?

An effective 404 page should include:

• Clear message – Inform users that the page they are looking for cannot be found.
• Helpful links – Provide links to popular sections of the site or a search bar to help users find relevant content.
• Consistent design – Match the design and branding of the rest of the site to maintain a cohesive user experience.

By following these best practices, you can minimize the impact of 404 errors on user experience and SEO, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience for your visitors.

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