How to Pinpoint and Resolve 404 Errors for Better SEO Health

As search engine optimization (SEO) professionals, we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to improve our website’s visibility and ranking. One crucial aspect of maintaining good SEO health is ensuring that all URLs on your site return a successful HTTP status code. But what happens when they don’t? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 404 errors, how to pinpoint them, and provide actionable steps for resolving these pesky issues.

What are 404 Errors?

A 404 error occurs when a user attempts to access a URL that doesn’t exist on your website. This could be due to:

• A deleted or renamed page
• A typo in the URL
• A broken internal link

Consequences of Unresolved 404 Errors

While it may seem insignificant, leaving unresolved 404 errors can have serious consequences for your SEO health.

• Loss of Link Equity: When users encounter a 404 error, they’re more likely to abandon your site and return to the search engine results page (SERP). This means that you’ll miss out on potential link equity from users who were interested in your content.
• Decreased User Experience: A high number of 404 errors can lead to frustration among users, causing them to question the quality and reliability of your site.

Identifying and Pinpointing 404 Errors

To pinpoint 404 errors on your website, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Your Server Logs

Your server logs are a treasure trove of information about incoming requests. Look for error codes in the log files (usually stored in the logs or access.log folder) that indicate a 404 status code.

Step 2: Use Website Crawlers and Audit Tools

Utilize website crawlers like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs Site Audit, or SEMrush to scan your site for broken links and 404 errors. These tools can help you identify the affected URLs and provide recommendations for fixing them.

Step 3: Inspect Your Sitemap and XML Sitemaps

Verify that your sitemap is up-to-date and accurately reflects the current structure of your website. Use online tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to check your site’s XML sitemap for any errors.

Resolving 404 Errors

Once you’ve identified the affected URLs, follow these steps to resolve the 404 errors:

Step 1: Fix Broken Internal Links

Locate the internal links that lead to the broken page and update them to point to the correct URL or a relevant alternative page.

Step 2: Redirect URLs (301) or Use Canonical Tags

If you’ve renamed a page or merged content, use a 301 redirect to preserve link equity. If you’re unable to perform a 301 redirect, consider using canonical tags to specify the preferred version of your content.

Step 3: Remove Dead Content

In some cases, it may be best to remove dead content altogether. This can help declutter your website and prevent future issues with 404 errors.

SEO Best Practices for Preventing Future 404 Errors

To avoid dealing with 404 errors in the first place, follow these SEO best practices:

• Regularly Audit Your Website: Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to scan your site for broken links and potential issues.
• Maintain a Consistent URL Structure: Ensure that your URLs are consistent and well-structured to prevent confusion among users and search engines.
• Monitor Server Logs: Keep an eye on your server logs to catch any errors or issues before they become major problems.

By following these steps and implementing the SEO best practices outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to identify and resolve 404 errors for better SEO health. Remember, maintaining a healthy website is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and maintenance.