What is a 404 Error? | And How To Fix 404 error?

A 404 error is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server was unable to find the requested resource. This can happen when a user tries to access a web page or file that no longer exists on the server or has been moved to a new location.

When a user encounters a 404 error, they will typically see a message indicating that the page they were trying to access could not be found. This can be frustrating for users and can lead to a negative user experience.

How to fix 404 errors in SEO?

Fixing 404 errors in SEO is important because these errors can harm your website's search engine rankings and user experience. Here are some steps to fix 404 errors:

• Identify the source of the 404 errors:

Use a web analytics tool, such as Google Analytics, to identify the pages on your website that are generating 404 errors.

• Redirect the old URL to a new one:

If the page that is generating the 404 error has been moved to a new URL, you can set up a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new one. This will ensure that users and search engines are directed to the new page and that the page's authority is transferred to the new URL.

• Remove broken links:

If the 404 error is caused by a broken link on your website, remove or update the link to point to a valid URL.

• Customize your 404 page:

If a user encounters a 404 error, customize your 404 page to provide helpful information and links to other pages on your website. This can help improve the user experience and keep users on your website.

• Submit a sitemap:

Once you have fixed the 404 errors on your website, submit a sitemap to Google Search Console to help ensure that Google indexes your website correctly.