The 404 error, or "Page Not Found," is a common HTTP response code that indicates a webpage is no longer available or cannot be found on the server. This error occurs when a browser or search engine tries to access a page that no longer exists or has been moved without proper redirection.

To detect and correct these errors, various tools can be used. Google Search Console (formerly known as Google Webmaster Tools) helps identify errors by listing pages with 404 and 500 response codes. Instead of installing additional plugins that could slow down the website, it is recommended to use external tools for detecting 404 pages.

How Do 404 Errors Affect SEO?

• Negative Impact on Rankings:
  Search engines like Google assess the usability and health of websites regularly. A high number of 404 errors signals poor site maintenance, which can harm the website’s overall SEO performance. If broken links are encountered too often, search engines may perceive the website as unreliable or abandoned, leading to a drop in search rankings.

• Deindexed Pages:
  Google may eventually remove 404 pages from its index, which means they will no longer appear in search results. Any SEO value these pages previously held, such as link equity, will be lost. This is especially problematic for pages that once had significant backlinks, as their SEO benefits will no longer contribute to the site's rankings.

• User Experience and Engagement:
  When users encounter a 404 error, they are likely to leave the site immediately, resulting in higher bounce rates. This not only frustrates visitors but also signals to search engines that the site is offering a poor user experience. A negative user experience can lower engagement metrics, further harming SEO performance.

How to Fix 404 Errors?

• 301 Redirects for Valuable Pages:
  If a page with significant SEO value is missing or no longer exists, it’s important to set up a 301 redirect to a relevant, active page. This ensures that link equity from external sources or backlinks is passed to a page that can continue to benefit the site’s SEO. Pages with fewer links can be redirected to the homepage or a category page.

• Redirect to the Homepage:
  While not the most optimal solution for SEO, redirecting all 404 errors to the homepage prevents users from landing on a dead-end page. However, this doesn’t retain the SEO benefits of the original page and may confuse visitors.

• Create a Custom 404 Page:
  A well-designed, user-friendly 404 page is important for maintaining a positive experience. It should include helpful navigation options such as a search bar, links to popular pages, or a call to action. This helps users find what they are looking for and reduces frustration, potentially keeping them on the site longer.

• Regular Monitoring and Maintenance:
  Using tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Moz, you can track 404 errors on your site and take corrective action. These tools help identify broken links, both internal and external, which should be fixed promptly to maintain SEO health.

The Difference Between a 404 and a 410 Error

• 404 Error (Not Found):
  This error suggests that the page is temporarily unavailable or missing but may be restored in the future. Search engines may continue to index this page, expecting it to return.

• 410 Error (Gone):
  A 410 error indicates that the page has been permanently removed and will not return. Search engines de-index these pages more quickly than 404 pages, as they recognize the page is intentionally gone for good.

Final Considerations:

Regularly monitoring and fixing 404 errors is essential for maintaining a well-functioning website. By using 301 redirects for valuable pages, creating a user-friendly custom 404 page, and actively resolving broken links with tools like Google Search Console, you can improve both your site's SEO performance and user experience. A website that is free of broken pages and easy to navigate is more likely to perform well in search rankings and retain visitors.

Maintaining a website free of excessive 404 errors is an ongoing task but one that is critical for both user satisfaction and SEO success.