Google’s Advice On Fixing 404 Errors From Inbound Links

In a recent update, Google has addressed a common concern among website owners – the impact of 404 errors stemming from inbound links. The search engine giant has provided valuable insights on how to handle this issue effectively.

Understanding the Problem: 404 Errors and SEO Impact

A 404 error occurs when a page is not found on a website. This can happen for various reasons, such as a page being deleted or its URL structure being altered. When inbound links direct users to non-existent pages, it can negatively impact a site’s search engine optimization (SEO) performance.

Google’s Recommendations:

1. 301 Redirects: Google suggests implementing 301 redirects for pages that have permanently moved or no longer exist. This way, incoming traffic is seamlessly redirected to a relevant and existing page, preserving link equity.
2. Custom 404 Pages: Create custom 404 error pages that provide users with helpful information and guide them to other relevant sections of the site. This not only improves user experience but also helps retain some link value.
3. Monitor Google Search Console: Regularly check Google Search Console for crawl errors and 404 reports. This tool provides valuable insights into the pages on your site that are generating 404 errors due to inbound links.
4. Update Internal Links: Ensure that internal links on your website are updated to point to existing and relevant pages. This not only helps users navigate your site more effectively but also signals to search engines that your content is current and reliable.

The SEO Impact:

Addressing 404 errors from inbound links is crucial for maintaining a healthy SEO profile. Google considers user experience a key factor in search rankings, and a website with broken links can lead to a poor user experience.