What is a 404 error?
Simply put, a 404 error is what happens when a user tries to access a web page that is down, has been removed from the website, or has never been a part of that website. It is also known as HTTP 404, 404 Not Found, Server Not Found, or Page Not Found.
But that is just the basic definition. If you want a deeper understanding of the concept, then keep on reading.
Is a 404 error bad?
Not necessarily. In some cases, it creates the best possible user experience for a visitor, letting them know that the page they are trying to access is unavailable, no longer exists, or has never existed and offering them alternatives.
However, in situations where it is better to redirect the user to another page, you should either use a temporary (e.g., 302 redirect, 303, redirect, or 307 redirect) or permanent redirect (e.g., 301 redirect or 308 redirects).
What types of situations are we talking about?
Let’s say you decided to switch to a different domain name for your business for whatever reason. Instead of letting your customers land on this page when they visit your old one, it would be so much better to automatically redirect them to the new URL than just tell them that the old URL no longer works.
Another example would be if you had to merge two or more pages on your website into one. Instead of displaying on each of the old pages, it would be better to have them all automatically redirect users to the new merged page, which you know contains the exact information they are looking for
You can also do a temporary redirect in cases where you’re fixing a specific page on your website or doing an overall website revamp.
How can you avoid this error?
Aside from redirecting (either on-site or via your web hosting), you can also submit any new pages on your website to the Google Search Console.
What is the difference between a hard 404 error and a soft 404 error?
A hard 404 error happens when the web page the user is trying to access does not exist on a website for whatever reason.
A soft 404 error, on the other hand, happens when the web page that shows a ‘Not Found’ message to the user sends a 200 OK message to Google and other search engines, telling them that there is, in fact, a page on the URL and they should keep indexing it.
The good news is that Google is smart enough to identify pages that are supposed to display a 404 errors message but send a 200 OK message, and whenever it finds one, it will notify you via the Google Search Console so you can fix the issue.
How do you find it on your website?
You can use the Google Search Console to find all the hard and soft 404 error pages on your website.
What information do you need to include on your 404 error page?
Again, the goal of this page is to let the user know that a web page is unavailable, no longer exists, or has never existed in the first place and offer them alternatives. This means that your 404 error page should include the following:
- A clear, easy-to-understand error message
- A clear call to action
- A search function
- Links to either relevant or the best content on your website
Keep in mind, though, that you can only create a custom 404 error page if you have access to your server. Consult with your webmaster if you need help.