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.
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Regularly scan internal links to prevent 404 errors from outdated references in navigation, content, and sitemaps.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.
Do 404 errors hurt SEO rankings?
Yes, especially if they affect important pages with backlinks or create poor user experience signals.
How quickly should I fix 404 errors?
Fix high-priority 404s within days, while low-impact errors can be addressed in regular maintenance cycles.
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.
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.
410 Gone
An HTTP status code indicating a page has been permanently removed with no forwarding address. Unlike 404, it explicitly signals to search engines that the content will not return, prompting faster de-indexing.
Crawl Error
An issue preventing search engine crawlers from accessing a page, such as server errors, broken links, or blocked resources. Monitoring and resolving crawl errors ensures important content remains accessible for indexing.
301 Redirect
A permanent server-side redirect that passes nearly all link equity from the original URL to the destination. Essential for preserving SEO value during site migrations, URL changes, and domain consolidations.
Related Glossary Terms
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