"404 Not Found" Page Error and How to Fix It

Prevent 404 errors from harming your website's performance! These annoying errors not only drive visitors away, but also complicate the process of search engines like Google understanding your site's structure. This can negatively affect your ability to rank highly in search results, resulting in a loss of valuable site visitors

Imagine this: You're browsing a website, interested in finding out details about a particular product or service. You click enthusiastically on a promising link, only to be met with the disappointing error ‘404 Page Not Found’. Isn't that frustrating? This frequent website error indicates a broken link or a missing page, which results in a negative user experience and can affect your ranking in search engines.

Fixing 404 errors is usually straightforward and there are measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Keep in mind that a correctly designed and informative website is essential to achieving online success.

1

Causes of 404 errors

It is essential to understand the underlying causes of 404 errors in order to resolve them successfully. These are the usual suspects:

Errors in web addresses (spelling mistakes, case sensitivity)

A small error in the URL of a website can result in a 404 error. Web servers recognise URLs as case-sensitive, distinguishing between ‘ExamplePage.html’ and ‘examplepage.html’ as separate addresses. Check your links to make sure they are correct!

Content that has been removed or replaced

If you remove a page or modify its URL without creating a redirect, previous links to that page will give rise to 404 errors. Think carefully before removing material and use redirects intelligently when modifying URLs.

Server-side problems

Sometimes 404 errors are caused by problems with the web server. Problems with server settings, brief periods of inactivity or complex technical problems can lead to pages not being displayed correctly, despite having the correct URL. When this happens, the best thing to do is contact your web hosting provider, such as Elementor Hosting, known for putting reliability first.

Wrongly redirected pages

When implemented correctly, redirects smoothly lead visitors from previous URLs to updated URLs. However, if you create a faulty redirect that directs to a non-existent page, you will receive a 404 error. Check your redirects regularly to confirm that they are directing to the correct sites.

Problems with storing data in a cache

Web browsers and CDNs often store duplicates of web pages to increase loading speed. If the cached version of a page cites a URL that is no longer valid, it can result in a 404 error, even if the problem has already been resolved on the current site. Clearing your browser's cache or simply waiting for it to expire can solve this problem.

External link updates

The sites you link to may change their content or site addresses without notice. Although you can't control this situation, setting up a routine to check your external links can help identify these broken links.

2

Determining and diagnosing 404 error messages

The first step to correcting 404 errors is to know how and where to locate them. Here are several efficient tools and methods:

Web crawlers

These specific software applications analyse your site, track links in a similar way to a search engine and detect broken links. A number of effective crawling tools are available, from free options to advanced premium suites such as ‘Ahrefs’. Although it's advisable not to mention specific tools, emphasise the advantages of using crawlers to get a complete analysis of 404 problems.

Tools for website administrators

Tools such as Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools offer crucial information on how search engines interact with your site. These platforms contain specific sections that identify the 404 errors found by Google's crawlers. This provides a specific list of 404 errors that may be affecting the ease with which your site is found in search engines.

System activity logs recorded by operating systems or applications

The site's server log files store detailed data about each request to the server, for users with a higher level of expertise. Analysing these logs can reveal 404 errors and possible clues as to their origin. Remember that this requires a certain level of technical expertise.

3

Technical troubleshooting and 404 error correction

Start by trying the simplest solutions before moving on to more complicated fixes.

Refresh the web page and inspect the URL: Occasionally, a basic refresh (using F5 or the browser's refresh button) can solve page loading problems, especially if the error was only a temporary hiccup. Make sure you review the URL carefully for any errors or omissions, as just one wrong character can result in a 404 error;

Deleting the browser cache helps improve load times by storing old site data. However, if it contains an old version of the page, it can result in a 404 error. Here's how to empty the cache in the most commonly used web browsers;

Experiment with an alternative browser or device: If the problem persists on a single browser or device, it may be due to its individual configuration or cache. Using a different browser or device may help identify the problem;

Use search engines: If you believe the web page you need is available but has the wrong URL, try to find it using Google or other search engines. This may reveal the correct URL or help you find out if the content has actually been deleted.

Repairing dysfunctional internal links

You have full control over the internal links on your site. This is how you can fix 404 errors caused by them:

If the page is present, fix the link: Identify the faulty link and make precise adjustments to direct it to the correct URL. Consider using a link management tool or Elementor's visual editing interface to simplify this task, especially on larger sites;

If the page disappears, use redirects (explanation of 301 vs. 302): Redirects tell browsers and search engines, ‘This page has been permanently moved; here is the new address.’ For long-lasting changes, use 301 redirects. If the old page may reappear in the future, use a temporary solution.

Recovering removed material

Restoring accidentally deleted content may be the simplest solution for resolving a 404 error. However, think about a few things before taking action.

Is the material still meaningful and applicable? Don't bring back old or inferior pages just to fix the error;

Is a backup copy available? Recovery from a backup is the safest and simplest option, especially if the deletion occurred recently. When you use a managed WordPress hosting service, it often comes with automated backups, simplifying the task;

Is it possible to replicate the information? If the page is necessary but there is no backup copy available, consider redoing it, possibly in a better or updated version.

4

Create redirects

When should redirects be used?

Changing web page URLs: If it is necessary to change the URL of a page, using a redirect ensures that the old links continue to direct visitors to the correct location. It is crucial to maintain a positive user experience and protect search engine rankings;
Removing content: If you delete a page permanently without a direct replacement, redirect the previous URL to a related section on your site, such as a category page or the home page;
Merging sites: When combining sites or transferring content to different domains, redirects are useful for directing users and search engines to the new locations.

Techniques for generating redirects

Redirects in .htaccess: The .htaccess file serves as a configuration file for your web server. Including redirection instructions in this document may require technical expertise, but it allows for precise management. Below is a basic example of a 301 redirect: 301 Redirect from /oldpage.html to http://www.example.com/newpage.html.
Be careful: Managed hosting services, such as Elementor Hosting, may come with certain settings or tools designed to manage redirects;
WordPress offers a variety of redirection plug-ins that allow you to easily manage redirects in your WordPress dashboard. Several common options are available (without singling out any specific plug-in name, but concentrating on the general procedure).

Managing multiple redirects

It's essential to keep sites that have multiple redirects organised. Here are a few tips:

Use a spreadsheet to keep an organised record of previous URLs and their new locations;
Provide feedback on your redirects: Including explanations in .htaccess or in a plug-in can help you keep track of them in the future;
Evaluate frequently: Periodically inspect redirects to confirm that they are directing to active pages and eliminate outdated ones.

5

Customise your 404 error page

What's the point of having a customised 404 page?

In general, the default 404 error pages are vague and uninformative, displaying messages such as ‘Page not found’ or simply an empty screen. There are several advantages to having a well-designed customised 404 page.

Improved user experience (UX): Instead of encountering a disturbing error, a personalised 404 page directs frustrated visitors to your content, decreasing the chances of them leaving your site altogether;
Brand opportunity: Inject your brand's unique personality and style into your 404 page, turning a potential negative experience into a slightly positive one;
SEO strategy: Some believe that customised 404 error pages with useful links can slightly decrease bounce rates and possibly improve search engine rankings.

Tips for creating a personalised 404 page

The main elements needed for a user-friendly 404 page are as follows:

A straightforward message: Admit the error using simple language (‘Page not found’, ‘Oops, something went wrong’);
Navigation options: Include hyperlinks to the main sections of your site;
Search option: Allows users to find the content they want directly from the 404 page;
Design components: This is where you can present the aesthetic part of your brand. Think about adding a bit of comedy, a relevant image or a mournful message. Using a tool like Elementor, you can easily design a visually appealing and informative 404 page that complements the overall look of your site.

Your 404 error page can display a message like: ‘Oh no! Looks like the page you were looking for has gone astray’.

6

Preventing and keeping control

Although it's not possible to get rid of 404 errors completely, being proactive can greatly reduce how often they occur and how much they affect your site.

Proactive link maintenance

Monitor your site's internal and external links frequently. Here are some methods for carrying out this task:

Regularly carry out manual checks by clicking on important links, especially on pages with a lot of traffic;
Website crawlers: Use site crawlers that detect 404 errors to also look for broken links before they affect users;
Site crawlers: Use site crawlers that detect 404 errors to also look for broken links before affecting users;
Tools for monitoring external links: Take note of tools designed to identify broken outbound links and alert you to problems on the sites you are linking to.

Site map review

A site map acts as a guide for search engines, allowing them to understand the layout of your site. Make sure your sitemap is updated regularly, especially after adding new pages or modifying URLs.Yoast SEO, one of the most popular SEO plugins for WordPress, can create and maintain a sitemap for your site.

Avoid unnecessary changes to URLs

Carefully plan the structure of your site from the outset to avoid having to change URLs in the future. When URL changes are necessary, make sure you use 301 redirects to maintain link equity and avoid 404 errors.

Establishing vigilance and control

Keep an eye on 404 errors using the tools mentioned above:

Google Search Console allows you to monitor 404 errors identified by Google's crawlers and focus on fixing high-traffic problem pages;
Site analysis: Some analytics platforms have the ability to monitor 404 errors in addition to other information about visitors;
Advanced log file analysis: Get more detailed information.

Selecting a hosting option that reduces downtime

Temporary 404 errors can occur due to server failures and technical problems, even though the links and configuration are correct. Managed cloud hosting services focus on maximising uptime and performance to ensure constant accessibility for your website visitors.

7

FAQ

1. What is a 404 page?
A 404 page is an error page displayed when the user tries to access a URL that doesn't exist or has been moved. It indicates that the requested content could not be found.

2. Why is a 404 page important for the user experience?
A well-designed 404 page helps reduce user frustration by offering easy navigation back to relevant content, rather than leaving them lost on the site.

3. How can I improve a 404 page?
You can personalise the 404 page with an attractive design, friendly messages and useful links to guide users back to valid or popular pages on the site.

4. Is it possible to avoid 404 errors on a website?
Although it is not possible to completely avoid 404 errors, it is possible to minimise their occurrence by keeping links up to date, carrying out periodic audits and redirecting old URLs to new ones.

5. What to include on a personalised 404 page?
Include a clear message informing you of the error, links to other parts of the site, a search bar and, if possible, a suggestion of relevant content.

6. What are broken links and how do they affect the 404 page?
Broken links are URLs that don't work or are out of date. They lead to a 404 page, jeopardising the user experience and potentially affecting the site's SEO.

7. Can a 404 page affect a site's SEO?
Yes, too many 404 pages without proper redirection can negatively impact a site's SEO, as they make it difficult for Google to crawl and index them.

8

Summary

It is vital to correct and prevent 404 errors to ensure a functional, user-friendly and SEO-optimised website. Remember to consider these key factors:

404 errors can negatively affect the user experience and can also disrupt search engine rankings;
It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the main causes of 404 errors in order to resolve the problem effectively;
Using a combination of site crawling tools, webmaster tools and analyses provides a comprehensive understanding of the 404 errors present on your website;
Maintaining consistent links, making careful URL changes and regularly monitoring errors are crucial to reducing 404 errors in the long term.

A well-designed, personalised 404 page has the potential to turn a frustrating error into an opportunity to interact with your brand in a favourable way.

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