Why ‘Soft 404s’ Matter and How to Correct Them
Introduction
When it comes to website maintenance, there are several issues that can hinder the user experience and search engine rankings. One such issue is the presence of “soft 404” errors on a website. In this article, we will delve into what soft 404s are, why they matter, and most importantly, how to correct them.
What Are Soft 404s?
Soft 404s, also known as “informational 404” or “HTTP 404 with content”, refer to the scenario where a server returns an HTTP 404 status code for a URL, but instead of displaying a plain 404 error page, it shows some form of content related to the requested URL. This can include a summary of the resource not being found, a search bar, or even some contextual links.
Why Do Soft 404s Matter?
Soft 404s matter for several reasons:
1. Search Engine Impact
When search engines crawl a website and encounter soft 404s, they may interpret them as legitimate content pages. This can lead to incorrect indexing of the resource not being found, causing issues with search engine rankings.
2. User Experience
Soft 404s can be misleading for users who click on non-existent links or URLs. Instead of seeing a clear “page not found” error message, they may see some form of content that is unrelated to their search query, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
How to Correct Soft 404s
Correcting soft 404s requires attention to both technical and content aspects. Here are the steps you can take:
1. Check Server Configuration
Ensure that your server configuration is not set up to display contextual content for non-existent URLs. You may need to update your .htaccess file or adjust server-side settings.
2. Update URLs
If you have changed URL structures or deleted resources, make sure to update internal linking and redirects to point to the correct pages.
3. Implement Custom 404 Pages
Set up custom 404 error pages that display a clear message indicating that the requested resource was not found. This will help users quickly understand what went wrong and prevent soft 404s from being misinterpreted as legitimate content.
4. Monitor for Soft 404s
Regularly check your website’s logs to identify any soft 404 errors. Use tools like Google Search Console or web crawlers to detect these issues.
Conclusion
Soft 404s may seem like a minor issue, but they can have significant consequences on search engine rankings and user experience. By understanding the reasons behind soft 404s and implementing the necessary corrections, you can ensure that your website is optimized for both users and search engines.
