A 404 error/404 Not Found error, is a HTTP status code that indicates the server could not find the requested resource. 404’s occur when a user attempts to access a webpage that no longer exists or has been moved without redirection. IEncountering frequent 404 errors can negatively impact both user experience and search engine rankings.
When users land on a 404 page, they are presented with an opportunity to navigate away from your site, leading to increased bounce rates. If search engines frequently encounter broken links on your website during their crawling process, this may signal poor site maintenance and result in lower visibility in search results.
It is essential for SEOs and website managers to regularly monitor their sites for broken links using tools like Google Search Console or third-party auditing software like Semrush. Implementing custom 404 pages can also enhance user experience by providing helpful navigation options back to functional areas of the site rather than leaving users stranded.
