# What to keep in mind when a website has too many 404 errors ## 404 errors and when to be concerned ### Identify the problem 404 errors are the HTTP status code that is given when a requested page is not found on a website. For the user, this usually results in a web page that says "404 Not Found" or something similar. The main issue with 404 errors is that they are a sign of broken links, which can frustrate users and make it difficult to find the information they are looking for. ### When to worry It is normal to have a few 404 errors on a website, but if you have a large number of them, it can indicate a problem. You should be concerned if you have more than 1% of your website's pages returning a 404 error. ## How to fix 404 errors 1. **Find the broken links.** The first step is to find the broken links that are causing the 404 errors. You can do this by using a tool like Google Search Console or Ahrefs. Make sure you look for errors in both internal links (links between pages on your own site) and external links (links to other websites). 2. **Fix the broken links.** Once you have found the broken links, the next step is to fix them. This may involve updating the link to the correct URL or removing the link altogether. 3. **Redirect the old URL to the new URL.** If you have changed the URL of a page, you should redirect the old URL to the new URL. This will help to ensure that users who click on the old URL are still able to find the information they are looking for. 4. **Monitor your website for 404 errors.** Once you have fixed the broken links, you should monitor your website for 404 errors to make sure that they do not come back. ## How to prevent 404 errors 1. **Use a link checker.** A link checker is a tool that can help you to find broken links on your website. There are many different link checkers available, both free and paid. 2. **Be careful when changing URLs.** When you change the URL of a page, make sure to create a redirect from the old URL to the new one. This will assure that users who click on the old URL are still able to find the information they are looking for. 3. **Monitor your website for 404 errors.** Regularly monitor your website for 404 errors to make sure that they do not come back. Create a sitemap of your website so you are able to cross check with Google Search Console regularly to identify any errors. ## Conclusion 404 errors are a common problem, but they can be easily fixed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help to reduce the number of 404 errors on your website and improve the user experience.
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