404 Error

What Is A 404 Error?

A 404 Error, also known as “404 Not Found,” is an HTTP status code that indicates the server could not find the requested webpage.

It simply means no page exists on the URL type into the browser.

404 error example

The 404 is a standard response code that all website owners should be familiar with. It’s important to identify 404 errors quickly and address them as soon as possible.

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What Does 404 Error Mean?

404 Error means the page you are trying to access cannot be found on the website’s server.

Put Simple: The page no longer exists (or never did) on the website.

This is usually because the page has been moved to a new URL or deleted from the website completely.

Here’s an example:

If you have a webpage about dog training, the URL might look like this:

www.example.com/dog-training

In this case, your current URL is /dog-training.

When users type your domain and that URL into their web browser – Your dog training page will load.

But if you decide to change the URL to /learn-dog-training without adding a redirect, users who go to the original URL /dog-training will see a 404 error.

That’s why it’s important to stay on top of any 404 errors.

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When Does A 404 Error Happen?

A 404 error will happen when there are:

    • Typing Mistakes: The user incorrectly types in a URL for a website – Even just 1 letter wrong.
    • Deleted Content: The website owner deletes a page without redirecting the old URL to a new one.
    • Broken Links: A link points to a page that no longer exists or was relocated, causing a 404 to be displayed.
    • Domain Issues: Changes in the domain structure without properly adding redirects.

These are the four most common issues that will cause a 404 error to occur.

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How To Fix 404 Error

The easiest way to fix a 404 error is to use a permanent 301 redirect. If you will eventually add the page back, you should use a 302 redirect.

Here’s how it works:

You simply redirect the old URL to your new URL. This is beneficial for your SEO and your website’s user experiences.

You can do this by:

Both will work – It just depends on your website and needs.

My personal favourite way to fix 404 errors is with RankMath.

They have an in-built 404 monitor that automatically alerts you to 404 errors found on your website.

rank math 404 monitor tool

Once you have installed the RankMath plugin, click on “Redirections” and then click “Add New”.

fix 404 error with redirect

Now, add in the old URL and the new URL you want it to redirect. Click “Save” and RankMath will take care of the rest.

That’s it!

When you change a URL or delete a page from your site, you need to let Google and your users know that the page is no longer there.

You also want to lead them to a new relevant page.

Fixing 404 errors and adding redirects is just a part of standard website maintenance.

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