404 Pages: How to Effectively Handle Not Found Errors
You’re searching through a website, click on a link, and the dreaded 404 error page comes up. We’ve all been there.
This is a common yet critical issue in web management, cropping up when a server responds to a request indicating that the page cannot be found. Despite being a frequent occurrence, handling these errors the wrong way can severely impact your SEO performance and user experience.
At Kia Ora Digital, our technical expertise ensures that these errors are addressed promptly and effectively, maintaining the integrity of your website. Here we’ll break down what’s going behind those 404 pages, and some of the ways to fix them.
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What are 404 Errors?
A 404 error is a standard HTTP status code that signals the server could not locate the requested page. This could happen for several reasons, such as the page being moved, deleted, or a broken link pointing to the wrong URL.
While you cannot bypass a 404 error entirely, effective management of these errors is crucial. You can set up redirects to guide users to relevant content or create a custom 404 page to retain visitor engagement.
How to Identify and Fix 404 Errors
Addressing 404 errors requires a systematic approach to ensure minimal disruption to your site’s functionality and user experience. Here are the key steps to identify and rectify these errors, reinforcing your site’s reliability.
- Redirect the 404 Error URL: Redirecting is one of the most efficient ways to manage a 404 error. By setting up a 301 redirect from the 404 error page to a relevant, working page on your website, you can retain the visitor and guide them to valuable content. This not only improves user experience, but also preserves the SEO value of the original URL. At Kia Ora Digital, we meticulously analyse your site to identify suitable redirect targets, ensuring a seamless transition for the user.
- Correct the Broken Link: Another way to address 404 errors is to correct the broken link that leads to the not-found error. This involves identifying the source of the broken link and updating it to point to the correct URL. This is particularly important for internal links within your site. Our team uses advanced crawling tools to scan your site for broken links, ensuring that all internal navigation paths are functional and efficient.
- Restore Deleted Pages: In some cases, the 404 error may be due to a page that was mistakenly deleted or moved without setting up proper redirects. Restoring these pages can resolve the error, especially if they contained valuable content or had high traffic. We perform thorough content audits to identify such pages and assess their relevance and impact. If restoring a page is beneficial, we ensure it is reintegrated smoothly into your site’s architecture.
- Ignore the Not-Found Error: While we generally don’t recommend ignoring a 404 error, there are scenarios where it might be acceptable. For example, if the page was intentionally removed and does not hold significant value, leaving the 404 error might be a valid choice. However, this should be a last resort and used sparingly. Our team evaluates each error to determine the best course of action, prioritising user experience and SEO performance.
The Role of Custom 404 Pages
Custom 404 pages play a pivotal role in managing user experience when a 404 error occurs. Instead of presenting a generic error message, a well-designed custom 404 page can provide helpful information, suggest alternative pages, or include a search bar to help users find what they’re looking for.
This approach can significantly reduce bounce rates and enhance user satisfaction. We can create bespoke 404 pages that align with your brand and provide a positive user experience. Ask us how today.
Leave it to the Experts
Effectively managing 404 errors is crucial for maintaining a robust online presence. At Kia Ora Digital, we combine our deep technical knowledge with advanced tools to identify and fix 404 errors, ensuring your site remains accessible and efficient.
Our SEO audit services offer a comprehensive analysis of your site, highlighting areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance performance. By addressing 404 errors promptly and efficiently, we help you maintain a seamless user experience and protect your site’s SEO integrity.
Ready to eliminate 404 errors and optimise your website’s performance? Contact us today and let our experts conduct a detailed SEO audit, ensuring your site remains error-free and fully optimised.
