Managing website errors and redirects is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and user experience. Two common issues that web admins encounter are 404 errors and redirects.
Understanding the differences between these two and knowing how to handle them effectively can significantly impact your site’s SEO.
What is a 404 Error?
A 404 error, also known as “Not Found,” occurs when a user or search engine tries to access a URL that doesn’t exist on the server, which can happen for several reasons:
- The user entered an incorrect URL
- The webpage has been deleted or moved without a proper redirect
- The URL was changed, and the old link was not updated
There are two main types of 404 errors, hard and soft. A hard 404 error occurs when a page is completely unavailable, and a soft 404 error happens when a page appears to load successfully, but its content signals to search engines that it’s essentially unavailable.
What is a Redirect?
A redirect is a way to automatically send users and search engines from one URL to another. Redirects are essential for guiding users to the correct URLs, maintaining SEO value, and ensuring a smooth browsing experience.
Two most common types of redirects
- 301 Redirect (Permanent Redirect): Permanently moves a page to a new URL, passing most of the link equity
- 302 Redirect (Temporary Redirect): Temporarily moves a page to a new URL without passing link equity
When’s best to use a Redirect?
There are several types of redirects, each serving a different purpose, including:
- URL changes or page moves – Redirect users and search engines to the new location after changing a URL or moving a page
- Website updates or restructuring – Prevent broken links by guiding users to updated content during site changes
- Domain changes or consolidation – Direct traffic to the correct domain when switching or merging multiple sites
- Temporary unavailability – Use a temporary redirect to send users to an alternative page while the original page is offline
Benefits of using a Redirect for SEO
Properly implemented redirects can have several positive effects on SEO over deleting or ‘killing’ a web page:
- Redirects transfer ranking power from the old URL to the new one, preserving link equity on the redirected page
- Proper redirection prevents drops in visibility and ensures that users and search engines can find the new page
- Without redirects, users and search engines may not find the new page, leading to traffic loss
When not to use a redirect
While 301 redirects are a powerful tactic for maintaining SEO value and guiding users to the correct content, there are situations where a 404 error is more appropriate.
If the content is permanently gone with no relevant replacement, or if redirecting would lead to unrelated content, it’s better to keep the page as a 404 error.
For example, it is common practice to redirect a dead page back to the homepage – this is not recommended.
The most effective route is to ensure a fully equipped 404 page, with a relevant message and clear navigation options for the user to continue their journey. This approach avoids confusing users and maintains site integrity, providing a better overall user experience.
Summary
Effectively managing 404 errors and redirects is essential for maintaining a seamless user experience and preserving your site’s SEO value. While 404 errors indicate that a page is unavailable, redirects guide users and search engines to the correct URLs, ensuring that link equity is maintained and traffic is not lost.
404 errors should be used when content is permanently gone with no suitable replacement, as they prevent users from being redirected to irrelevant content. However, a well-designed 404 page with a clear message and navigation options can help users continue their journey on your site without frustration.
Redirects, particularly 301 redirects, are powerful tools for maintaining SEO value when URLs change, pages are moved, or during site updates. They ensure that users and search engines can find the new content, preserving link equity and preventing drops in visibility.
By understanding when to use 404 errors and redirects, and implementing them correctly, you can enhance your site’s performance, user experience, and SEO. For expert guidance on managing your website’s errors and redirects, consider partnering with a trusted SEO professional.
