How to fix broken link 404 errors on your website
Why do broken backlinks (404) need to be fixed?
Alright, let’s get cracking!
Picture this: you’re strolling through Bristol’s bustling streets, and suddenly you hit a dead end.
That’s exactly what broken links do to your company website- it stops a shopper right in there path, they can’t go any further, they have to turn on their heels, walk the other way. And guess what, one of your direct competitors, they might get their business instead.
So those 404 errors, well they can lead to fewer sales, and even make it tough for Google’s bots to get around your site.
The internal maze
Navigating broken links within your website
You might have a link from your blog post to a product page, but if that product’s not on sale anymore, bam! You’ve hit a dead end and you could be losing out on sales, so you also need to fix any broken internal links.
What does crawl budgets mean and why they should not be wasted
Now, think about trying to find a location, such as hotel for the night, but its not straightforward, there’s constant road diversions, and blocked roads.
It’s a right pain, isn’t it? Googlebot’s got a similar headache. It wastes time and resources – or ‘crawl budget’ – trying to visit pages that don’t exist no more. Which have incurred a broken link, that could be bause the page has been deleted, or the url was changed, causing
Google to display a 404 page, rather than the page. If we fix these errors, Googlebot can focus on new, shiny content instead of getting stuck on pages that don’t exist.
This is why we compare this to driving through a traffic diversion, it can sometimes waste time, with a sat nav unit constantly taking you down a road that’s closed. So petrol and time is wasted.
This is the same with Googlebot, although its not using petrol, its wasting time, trying to keep crawl and index a page that doesn’t exist anymore.
What is link juice, and why is it considered the SEO Fuel?
Here’s the deal with link juice and equity: they’re like the power boost you get when a big player, say Bloomberg, BBC or say the CNN links to your site.
It’s like getting a nod from a top-notch business, that’s because some backlinks are gold, boosting your SEO.
While others from some backlinks, from low quality websites, such a blog with a lot of spam, content thin content marketing, that’s used copied text, could actually damage your seo.
Can you use Google Search Console to find broken links?
If you log into Google Search Console, and you’ll find a goldmine of info on links pointing to your site. Look for the ‘Not Found’ tab to spot those 404 broken links.
Screaming Frog & Google Analytics: Your SEO sidekicks
Screaming Frog, mate, is an SEO agency’s best pal. It’s like having your own Sherlock Holmes for your website, sniffing out broken links in no time.
Fixing broken Links:
Alright, so you’ve found these broken links. Now what? You’ve got a few options: set up a 301 redirect to a relevant page, fix any typos, or even recreate the page. It’s like redirecting traffic in the city to keep things moving smoothly.
FAQ on Broken Links and Website Maintenance
What exactly are broken links?
Broken links on a website are like roads to nowhere. They’re links that lead to pages that don’t exist anymore, causing that annoying 404 error.
Why should I worry about broken links?
Broken links can hurt your website’s user experience and SEO. It’s like having a shop in London with a busted door – customers can’t get in, and they’re likely to go elsewhere.
How do broken links affect my site’s SEO?
They’re a big no-no for search engines. They make your site look neglected, which can drop your rankings faster than a London bus in rush hour.
What’s the best way to find broken links?
Tools like Google Search Console and Screaming Frog are your best bets. They’re like having a map of every nook and cranny of your website.
How often should I check for broken links?
Regular checks are key. It’s like giving your site a routine health check-up to keep it in top shape.
What’s a 301 redirect, and when should I use it?
A 301 redirect is like a detour sign on the web. It tells browsers and Google that a page has permanently moved to a new location. Use it when you want to redirect traffic from an old page to a new one.
Can broken links ever be a good thing?
Rarely, mate. Sometimes they can show you outdated parts of your site that need a revamp. It’s like finding old, forgotten parts of the city that could use some love.
How do I prevent broken links?
Keep a keen eye on your site’s structure, especially when deleting or moving pages. It’s all about good maintenance, like keeping the streets of London clean and navigable.
Can broken links lead to security issues?
Potentially, yes. They can make your site look unprofessional and vulnerable, like a shop with a broken window.
What’s the impact of broken links on user experience?
Huge, mate. Broken links frustrate users, like being stuck in a London Underground delay. They can quickly turn a pleasant visit to your site into a right hassle.
Are there any tools that can fix broken links automatically?
Some tools can help you find them, but fixing them usually requires a human touch. It’s like needing a skilled mechanic rather than just a diagnostic tool.
How do backlinks and broken links interact?
If a site with good reputation links to your broken page, it’s a missed opportunity. Imagine if a top London venue mentioned your shop, but the address was wrong!
What should I do if a major site has a broken link to my website?
Reach out to them! It’s like finding out a London billboard has the wrong info about your business – you’d want to get it fixed ASAP.
Can fixing broken links lead to increased traffic?
Absolutely. It’s like fixing all the blocked roads in a city – traffic flows better, and more people can reach their destination, which in this case, is your website.