What is a 404 Response Code?

A 404 response code, also known as a "404 error" or "404 not found error", is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server cannot find the requested page or resource. When a user attempts to open a web page, make a request, or click a link, the website's server looks for the file that constructs that page. If the server cannot find the requested file or page, it will return a 404 error code or error message to the user's browser, indicating that the page is unavailable or does not exist.

Common Causes of 404 Errors

By understanding the common causes of 404 errors, webmasters can quickly diagnose and resolve problems. The most widespread culprits behind 404s include:

Typos in the URL

A user may have made a minor typo when entering a URL into a browser's address bar. Common typos include incorrect capitalization, spelling errors, or missing characters.

Broken links

If someone changes a URL that previously pointed to a valid page without creating a proper redirect, links to the old URL will result in 404s.

Improper redirects

If someone changes a URL previously pointed to a valid page without creating a proper redirect, links to the old URL will result in 404s.

Outdated links

Over time, content may get deleted or relocated on a website. Any external sites linking to these outdated URLs will earn 404 errors.

The requested content was deleted

If a web page or file existed previously but was removed from the server, attempts to access it will fail with 404 errors.

Incorrect URL structure

Pages that rely on specific URL structures and parameters may return 404s if requests are improperly formatted.

Server issues

Configuration issues on a web server, content management system, or hosting provider could prevent pages from being accessible and result in 404s.

Restricted access

Password-protected, limited access, or non-public pages that users cannot view will often return 404 pages.

Impacts of 404 Errors

404 "page not found" errors may seem like isolated problems, but they can have far-reaching consequences across a website. Unresolved 404 issues lead to:

• Poor user experience - Users may become frustrated or distrust a website with a broken link or missing pages.
• Loss of referral traffic - External sites linking to the 404 will not be able to refer visitors.
• SEO impacts - High numbers of 404s may negatively affect a website's search engine rankings and results.
• Analytics inaccuracies - The website will log 404s as pageviews, which can muddy website traffic data.
• Brand reputation - Frequent 404 errors give the impression of a poorly maintained or outdated website.

Identifying and Debugging 404 Errors

404 errors don't have to remain website-killers. There are proven techniques for swiftly detecting and debugging these pages. Website owners and SEO professionals have several options for identifying 404 errors:

• Review 404 error logs through web hosting control panels, analytics software, or site crawl tools.
• Check indexation reports in Google Search Console to identify URLs returning 404s.
• Perform manual site crawls to simulate user experience and find broken pages.
• Analyze external link reports to spot incoming URLs resulting in 404s.

Once people have identified 404 errors, debugging typically involves:

1. Tracing broken links back to their source and updating or removing them.
2. Verifying proper redirects exist for any changed or removed pages.
3. Correcting any URL typos or technical issues.
4. Requesting removal of expired external links.
5. Updating site architecture, templates, menus, etc., to avoid link rot.

Customizing the 404 Error Page

Web servers will return a default 404 page, but most websites customize the error page to improve the visitor experience. Best practices for 404 pages include:

• Providing a unique title and header, making it clear the page is unavailable.
• Offering a search bar or site menu so users can find desired content.
• Displaying links to popular web pages and the homepage.
• Explaining the error and providing support options.
• Maintaining branding elements so the page looks good.
• Setting a 404 status code so search engines know the page does not exist.

Properly formatted 404 pages result in a better user experience while minimizing adverse effects from dead link returns.

Want to Stop 404 Errors in Their Tracks?

404 error messages don't have to halt your website's growth. With the right tools and expertise, these dead links and missing pages can be fixed quickly.

Our SEO team has the proven systems to identify, diagnose, and resolve 404 errors at scale before they undermine your website's user experience and search visibility.

We'll crawl your site, audit for broken links, check external link reports, and pinpoint the source of each 404. Then our experts will implement custom fixes, whether that involves updating URLs, restoring deleted content, establishing redirects, or restructuring site architecture.

Contact SEOLeverage today to get a custom quote for identifying and resolving 404 error issues across your site.