Definition of a 404 error and the importance of redirecting it

Through our SEO Agency Optimize 360.

Surfing the web has become an integral part of our daily lives.

With an incalculable number of websites, it can of course happen that we come across pages that do not exist or are no longer available, resulting in the display of a 404 error.

But what exactly is a redirect? This article will answer this question by reviewing the essential aspects of 404 redirection.

What is a 404 error?

A 404 error, also known as "Page not foundis an error code in the HTTP protocol, indicating that the page requested by the user cannot be found.

This situation occurs when the web server has not found a resource corresponding to the URL provided by the user.

There are several possible reasons for the appearance of a 404 error:

Deleting or moving a page without updating internal or external links
User error entering URL
Change of website address without automatic redirection of visitors to the new address
Technical problems with the server hosting the site

Why correct 404 errors?

A 404 error is certainly a common type of error on the web, but its presence can have serious consequences. negative impacts on theuser experience and the site referencing concerned.

Here are a few reasons why it is essential to deal with 404 errors:

1. Improving the user experience

A 404 page can be frustrating for usersespecially when they are looking for important information or want to make a purchase on a website. e-commerce. Smooth, functional navigation is essential to maintain visitor interest and encourage them to return.

2. Search engine optimisation (SEO)

Search engines such as Google place great importance on the quality and relevance of the websites indexed in their results.

A large number of 404 errors can therefore harm a site's ranking in the search results, particularly if the pages concerned were previously well referenced. By correcting these errors, you can improve your SEO and increase your online visibility.

3. Lower bounce rate

When users land on a 404 page, they tend to leave the site quickly. This increases the bounce rateis a key indicator that search engines use to assess the quality and interest of a site. website.

By ensuring that all pages are accessible, you can reduce the bounce rate and improve your SEO score.

How do you detect and correct 404 errors?

To keep your site functional and optimised, you need to regularly detect 404 errors and then take the necessary steps to correct them. Here are a few steps to help you along the way:

1. Using tools to detect and track 404 errors

There are a number of free and paid tools available for analysing your website for 404 errors. Some of the most popular are Google Search Console, Screaming Frog or even Semrush.

These tools will provide you with a detailed report of the broken links on your site and advice on how to resolve them.

2. 301 redirects

301 redirection is an effective way of resolving 404 errors caused by moving or deleting a page.

This involves automatically redirecting visitors to a new URL in the event of access to an obsolete address. This method also has the advantage of preserving the SEO capital associated with the old page, transferring the strong points of natural referencing (backlinkshistory, etc.) to the new URL.

3. Update internal and external links

To avoid future 404 errors, make sure you regularly update the links on your website.

This includes checking pages that have been removed or moved, as well as updating navigation links (menus, footers, etc.). It may also be a good idea to contact the owners of sites that link to your non-existent pages and ask them to update the links concerned.

Customise the 404 error page

Despite all our efforts to prevent and correct 404 errors, it is sometimes inevitable that some users will be faced with such an error. In order to minimise the negative impact on the user experienceYou can customise your site's 404 error page by adding the following elements:

A clear, understandable message explaining the situation
An attractive design, consistent with the general appearance of the site
Search options and/or suggestions for similar pages
A link back to the home page
Contact details for technical support or a site administrator

To sum up, although 404 redirects are frequently encountered on the web, they are an element that needs to be taken seriously to ensure an optimal user experience and maintain good visibility on search engines.

Regularly detecting and correcting 404 errors, as well as customising the error page itself, are all key steps in ensuring that your website functions properly and remains attractive.