What is 404
A "404 error" is a standard HTTP response code that indicates that a web server could not find the requested page or resource on the website. When a user attempts to access a web page that doesn't exist or has been moved or deleted, the server returns a 404 error to notify the user that the requested URL is not available.
Key points about 404 errors include
Key points about 404 errors include:
- Not Found: The "404" in the error code stands for "Not Found." It means that the web server could not locate the requested web page, image, file, or resource.
- User Experience: When a user encounters a 404 error, they typically see a "404 Not Found" message on their web browser, indicating that the page they were trying to access is missing.
- Causes: 404 errors can occur for various reasons, including typographical errors in the URL, changes in website structure, deleted pages, or broken links. They can also result from incorrectly configured web servers or misconfigured redirections.
- SEO Impact: Frequent 404 errors can negatively affect a website's search engine ranking and user experience. Search engines may consider broken links as a sign of poor website maintenance, which can lead to lower search rankings.
- Custom 404 Pages: Many websites create custom 404 error pages to provide users with a more helpful and user-friendly experience. These custom pages often include navigation links, a search bar, or suggestions for finding relevant content.
- Redirects: To address 404 errors, website owners may implement 301 redirects, which automatically send users to a relevant page when they try to access a missing or moved page.
- Monitoring and Fixing: Regularly monitoring a website for 404 errors and promptly addressing them is essential to maintain a positive user experience and SEO performance.