Introduction to the 404 error: Basic definition
You have most likely already encountered the so-called 404 error during your time on the internet.
This is one of the most common errors, fundamentally indicating that the webpage you’re trying to access no longer exists, has been renamed, or has been moved to a new URL.
It can be compared to hitting a dead end on the internet, and the immediate response from users is often to click away from the page and possibly abandon what they were looking for altogether.
How and why do 404 errors occur?
404 errors occur when a user tries to access a webpage that the server cannot find.
- Incorrect URL address.
- The domain is not set up correctly.
- The page’s content has either been deleted or moved.
- Server configuration issues.
The difference between 404 errors and other common HTTP errors
In a previous post, I described the common HTTP errors a website owner might encounter.
A 404 error, fundamentally, belongs to the group of HTTP errors that describe a problem with the request to access a specific URL.
- 100 – the request is being processed.
- 200 – successful request.
- 300 – the request is redirected to the correct page.
- 400 – error in the request.
- 500 – server error.
The impact of 404 errors on user experience and SEO
A 404 error should not be taken lightly – in fact, this error can have a significant impact on your website’s SEO and the overall user experience.
When a user clicks on your site and encounters an error message, very few will actively search for a solution – users are much more likely to quickly leave the page.
The experience becomes negative, and your website may be perceived as unprofessional.
As a result, there is a risk that the user will decide to visit one of your competitors’ sites instead.
When Google detects that a 404 error is causing a negative user experience on your site, it will negatively affect your SEO score.
Your site will simply not be allowed to rank highly in search results due to the reduced quality of your page.
How to detect 404 errors on your website
Fortunately, there are several programs that automatically monitor your website and can report any 404 errors.
Google Search Console is one such program, which will automatically send you notifications if errors occur on your website, and you can always check the reports offered by Search Console to see the status of your site.
Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, and SemRush are also tools that can be used to identify SEO-related problems, including 404 errors on your site.
Best practices for designing user-friendly 404 pages
You can never fully prevent users from encountering a 404 error, as there’s always a chance that a user mistypes the URL or other factors outside your control.
Therefore, it’s important to be proactive and create user-friendly 404 pages that guide the user in the right direction, rather than causing them to leave the site altogether.
This overall creates a positive experience for your website and minimizes the risk of users navigating to competitor sites.
Fundamentally, a 404 page should be simply set up with a clear indication that the page no longer exists, so there’s no confusion for the user about what to do next.
- Helpful links to either the homepage or popular subpages on your site.
- A search bar where the user can search for specific subpages themselves.
- Contact information for your site’s customer service.
How to effectively fix 404 errors
The negative consequences of 404 errors should be resolved quickly and efficiently to avoid major SEO-related costs.
As mentioned earlier, it’s always a good idea to have a user-friendly 404 page that can redirect users if errors occur.
If there is a recurring trend of users mistyping the URL, it may be beneficial to adjust it to align with users’ search habits.
Additionally, setting up a redirect is advantageous if a page has been moved or the URL has been changed.
This, as mentioned earlier, would be a type of 300 HTTP status code, which can be activated to redirect users to the correct page.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to update your site’s sitemap with the correct pages and possibly delete pages that are no longer relevant.
Creative approaches to 404 pages
As mentioned, there are several elements you can implement to ensure that a 404 page is user-friendly and provides a positive experience, even in situations where redirection is needed.
In addition to user-friendly elements, there’s plenty of room to get creative with your 404 pages.
These pages don’t have to be boring and simply state “page not found.” If your business has a strong identity and tone of voice, it’s a good idea to extend this to your 404 page.
It demonstrates both foresight and control over unforeseen situations and can actively help the user find their way again.
Many large websites, for instance, streamline their visual layout from their existing pages to their 404 pages. This can be through designs, text elements, visual effects, and more.
By maintaining the same layout and tone of voice, the user is less likely to feel the need to leave the site and is more likely to use the help provided by the 404 page, such as a search bar, a shortcut to the homepage, or links to popular subpages.
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