What should be done with 404 URLs that are currently unavailable?

How to Handle 404 URLs from External Websites

Introduction

Navigating the challenges of maintaining a website can sometimes lead you to unexpected issues, such as 404 URLs reported by Google Search Console. These 404 errors often originate from external websites pointing to pages that no longer exist on your site. Here’s a guide on how to address and resolve these issues effectively.

Steps to Resolve 404 URLs

  1. Assess the 404 Report: Begin by reviewing the specific pages listed in the Google Search Console report to understand the scope of the issue.

  2. Identify the Source: Determine which external sites are linking to your non-existent pages. This information can often be found in the report itself.

  3. Implement Redirects: Set up 301 redirects from the non-existent URLs to the most relevant, existing pages on your site. This can help retain any SEO value and user traffic.

  4. Update the Links (if possible): Reach out to the webmasters of the external sites and request them to update their links with correct URLs.

  5. Create a Custom 404 Page: Enhance user experience by designing a helpful custom 404 page that guides visitors back to your main content.

  6. Monitor Regularly: Regularly check your Google Search Console and address any new 404 errors that may appear.

Conclusion

Fixing 404 errors is crucial for maintaining both the user experience and your site’s SEO health. By following these steps, you can ensure that your website remains accessible and continues to rank well in search engine results.

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2 responses to “What should be done with 404 URLs that are currently unavailable?”

  1. When dealing with 404 URLs that are not available on your website, it’s crucial to handle them properly to maintain a good user experience and preserve your site’s SEO performance. Here are some steps you can take to resolve these issues effectively.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Handle 404 URLs

    1. Analyze the 404 Errors

    • Identify the URLs: Use Google Search Console to list all the 404 errors. This will provide you with the URLs that are causing issues.
    • Assess the Source: Determine if these 404 errors are due to outdated links from other websites or changes in your site structure.

    2. Evaluate the Importance of the Missing Pages

    • Check the SEO Value: Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to see if any of these pages had backlinks or were ranking for certain keywords. This will help you decide if recreating these pages is beneficial.
    • Consider User Needs: Determine if the content was valuable and still relevant to users.

    3. Take Appropriate Action

    Based on your evaluation, choose one of the following strategies:

    A. Implement 301 Redirects
    • Purpose: Redirect users from the missing page to a relevant, existing page on your website.
    • How to Do It: Use the .htaccess file on Apache servers or set up URL redirects in the admin panel if you’re using CMS platforms like WordPress.
    • When to Use: If you have a newer version of the content or a page that closely matches the missing one.
    B. Restore the Content
    • Purpose: Recreate the page if the content was valuable and frequently visited.
    • How to Do It: Find old versions of the page using the Wayback Machine or cached versions on search engines and rebuild the page.
    • When to Use: If the missing content fits into your current website’s goals and structure.
    C. Create a Custom 404 Page
    • Purpose: Provide a user-friendly error message.
    • How to Do It: Customize your 404 page to include helpful links, a search bar, and possibly contact information.
    • Benefits: Enhances user experience by guiding users to find what they need, even if the page they landed on doesn’t exist.

    4. Notify External Websites

    • Reach Out to External Sites: If the 404 errors are from external links, contact the website
    Reply

  2. This post provides a vital overview of handling 404 errors, and I appreciate the structured approach you’ve shared. I’d like to add a couple of points that could further enhance the management of these issues:

    Firstly, while implementing redirects is essential, it’s important to be cautious about redirect chains. Too many redirects can lead to slower page load times and can dilute SEO value. Always aim for a direct 301 redirect from the old URL to the most relevant existing page, minimizing any intermediary steps.

    Additionally, using a broken link checker tool can provide ongoing value by identifying 404 links not just from external sites but also within your own. This proactive approach helps maintain a healthy site architecture, preventing visitors from encountering dead ends.

    Lastly, it might be worth mentioning the potential of utilizing these 404 pages as an opportunity for engaging with your audience. A well-crafted 404 page can include links to popular articles or resources on your site, a search bar for easy navigation, or even offers to join your newsletter. This not only enhances user experience but can also decrease bounce rates.

    Thank you for initiating this important discussion!

    Reply

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