Imagine you click on a link and expect to find an exciting page. But instead, a white page appears with the cryptic message “Error 404 - Page not found”. What exactly does this mean? Why does this happen so often? And above all: what can you do about it? In this glossary article, we go deep into the matter and explain not only what is behind the “Error 404”, but also what effects it has on search engine optimization (SEO) and how you can avoid it - regardless of whether you are a user or a website operator. Let's get straight to it and shed some light on the subject!
What is an “Error 404”?
The “Error 404” is a specific HTTP status message that occurs when the server on which the website is located cannot find the requested page. This means that the user has accessed a specific URL that either no longer exists, never existed or the page is in a different location. In short: the server does not know where to direct the user because the requested resource is missing.
It is interesting to note that “Error 404” is actually a very common error, especially on large websites with many pages and content. The error code 404 belongs to the category of “Client Errors” (4xx errors), which means that the problem is usually on the user's side or the URL input and is not necessarily due to a server error.
Technical background: What happens in the event of an “Error 404”?
To better understand the “Error 404”, it is helpful to take a quick look at the technical side. When you enter a URL in your browser or click on a link, your browser sends a request to the web server of the page in question. The server then searches for the requested resource (i.e. the website). If the page is found, the server responds with a status code “200 OK” - everything runs as desired.
However, if the page is not found, the server sends back the status code “404 Not Found”. This is a standardized response that all servers use to inform the browser that the page does not exist. Although the error can technically occur on the user's side (e.g. due to an incorrectly entered URL), the responsibility for error handling lies with the website operators, who should redirect the user sensibly or offer alternative content.
Causes for the “Error 404”
There are many reasons why an “Error 404” can occur. Here are the most common ones:
- Incorrect URL entry by the user: This is the most common cause. A small typing error in the address line is enough to lead the user to a non-existent page.
- Deleted content: If a website removes content and no redirect is set up, the link leads to a page that no longer exists. The user then receives the “Error 404” message.
- Restructuring of the website: Websites are regularly updated and redesigned. If pages are moved or URLs are changed, but no corresponding 301 redirects have been set up, “Error 404” occurs.
- Broken links on external websites: Links from other sites that point to URLs that no longer exist or are incorrect will also result in an “Error 404”.
- Outdated bookmarks: If users save a page as a bookmark and it is later deleted or moved, the bookmark can lead the user to an “Error 404” page.
The impact on SEO
An “Error 404” is not only annoying for the visitor, but can also have serious consequences for the search engine optimization (SEO) of your website. Google and other search engines place a high value on user experience, and repeated 404 errors on your website signal that your site may be poorly maintained or out of date. Here are the main implications:
- Negative impact on ranking: If Google notices that a page frequently generates “Error 404” messages, this can lead to a devaluation of the entire domain. Search engines always want to provide their users with the best results - a page that frequently offers non-existent content is therefore classified as less trustworthy.
- Loss of link juice: External links are hugely important for SEO. If a page to which other websites link suddenly no longer exists and the link leads nowhere (i.e. triggers an “Error 404”), the so-called link juice is lost. This means that the positive effects of the backlink for SEO are lost.
- Increased bounce rate: Visitors who land on an “Error 404” page are usually frustrated and quickly leave the page again. This leads to an increased bounce rate, which is another negative ranking factor for Google.
Measures to avoid “Error 404”
There are some proactive steps you can take as a website operator to prevent “Error 404” messages or at least minimize their negative effects:
- Set up 301 redirects: If you move or delete content, always set up a 301 redirect. This automatically redirects the visitor to a new, relevant page and prevents the “Error 404”.
- Regular link check: Use tools such as “Google Search Console” or special plugins to find broken links on your website. Check external links in particular regularly, as you have no direct influence on whether the linked page still exists.
- Create a user-friendly 404 page: A user-friendly 404 page is a great way to minimize the damage. Instead of just displaying the error message, you can offer the user navigation, a search bar or links to popular pages. This way, the visitor may stay on your site longer and still find the desired content.
Simple 404 page vs. user-friendly 404 page
What to do if you encounter an “Error 404”?
As a user, you can also try out a few things to avoid an “Error 404” and still reach your destination:
- Check the URL: There may be a small typing error in the URL. Correcting the error often leads to success.
- Go to the homepage: If you are stuck, the homepage of the website is often a good starting point to find the desired content.
- Use the search function: Many websites offer a search bar that can help you find the content you want, even if the direct link doesn't work.
Conclusion: The “Error 404” - an avoidable annoyance
Error 404 is one of the most common error messages on the internet, but that doesn't mean you have to just accept it. With the right measures, you can minimize the frequency of this error and ensure that your website also performs well from an SEO perspective. Visitor-friendly 404 pages, regular link checks and well-set redirects are the most important tools here. For users, don't give up just because you come across an “Error 404” page - there are often still ways to reach your goal.
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