What is 404 Error?
A 404 error is a server response code indicating that a requested webpage or resource cannot be found, typically occurring when links are broken or mistyped, or if a page is deleted.
Ecommerce SEO Glossary > Technical SEO > 404 Error
What You Need to Know about 404 Error
Monitor Crawl Errors Regularly
Check Google Search Console frequently to identify 404 errors affecting your site’s crawl budget and user experience.
Fix High-Value Broken Links
Prioritize fixing 404 errors on pages with existing backlinks or high search volume to preserve link equity.
Implement Proper Redirects
Use 301 redirects to guide users and search engines from deleted pages to relevant existing content.
Create Custom 404 Pages
Design helpful 404 pages with navigation options and search functionality to reduce bounce rates and improve user experience.
Audit Internal Links
Regularly scan internal links to prevent 404 errors from outdated references in navigation, content, and sitemaps.
Handle Product Discontinuation Properly
For ecommerce sites, redirect discontinued product pages to relevant categories or similar items to maintain SEO value.
Frequently Asked Questions about 404 Error
1. Do 404 errors hurt SEO rankings?
Yes, especially if they affect important pages with backlinks or create poor user experience signals.
2. How quickly should I fix 404 errors?
Fix high-priority 404s within days, while low-impact errors can be addressed in regular maintenance cycles.
3. Should I use 410 vs 404 for deleted pages?
Use 410 for permanently deleted content you want search engines to remove faster from their index.
4. Can too many 404 errors impact crawl budget?
Yes, excessive 404 errors waste crawl budget as search engines spend time trying to access non-existent pages.
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