What is a 404 Error (Page Not Found)?

A 404 Error, also known as “404 Not Found,” indicates that the server cannot find the requested resource. This error occurs when a user attempts to access a page that does not exist on your website.

Common causes include broken links, mistyped URLs, or deleted pages. A well-managed 404 error page can help mitigate the negative impact by guiding users to relevant content on your site.

What Does a 404 Error Look Like?

A typical 404 error page will display a message such as “404 Not Found”, “Page Not Found”, or “The requested URL was not found on this server”.

Custom 404 pages often include a search bar, navigation links, or humorous messages to help users find what they are looking for.

A well-designed 404 page can turn a potentially negative experience into an opportunity for engagement by directing users to useful resources or popular content on your site.

Impacts of 404 Errors

404 Errors can have several negative impacts, including:

  • User Frustration: Users encountering 404 errors may leave your site, leading to rising bounce rates and lower user satisfaction.
  • SEO Issues: Multiple 404 errors can negatively affect your site’s search engine rankings if those broken links exist on your website. Search engines may perceive your site as poorly maintained, which can impact your visibility.
  • Lost Traffic: Broken links can result in lost traffic and missed opportunities for engagement and conversions. Ensuring that all links on your site are functional is crucial for retaining visitors.

How to Spot 404 Errors on Your Website

To identify and address 404 errors:

  • Google Search Console: This tool provides reports on crawl errors, including 404s, helping you identify broken links and missing pages.
  • Website Crawlers: Tools like Screaming Frog can crawl your site and report broken links, making it easier to find and fix issues.
  • Analytics Tools: Monitor your website’s analytics for pages with high exit rates, which may indicate 404 errors. Analyzing user behavior can help you identify problem areas and improve your site’s structure.