We all know it: you click on a link and suddenly you see a 404 page – “Page not found”. This simply means that the page you were looking for does not exist (anymore). Very frustrating, especially if you just saw that one interesting link and wanted to know more.
But what does a 404 page mean for your business? Simply put, it is a missed opportunity. The potential customer does not see the expected information and the impression that is left of your company is anything but positive.
Why is a 404 page bad for your findability?
In addition to the negative user experience, a 404 page also affects your SEO. Search engines see these errors as a major disadvantage and it can directly have a negative impact on your search engine ranking. The more 404 pages your website has, the worse your online findability will be.
How do you prevent 404 pages?
It is important to always keep your website up-to-date and regularly check for so-called broken links. Fortunately, there are numerous useful tools available that can help you with this. For example, if you use WordPress, there are plugins that automatically warn you of broken links. You can also use the W3C tool to thoroughly check your site.
It is also smart to use a checklist before you put a new website online. This way you avoid missing important steps and limit the risk of 404 pages.
Tip: Watch Renny Gleeson's TedX Talk
Want to learn more about the infamous 404 feeling? Then
Renny Gleeson's TedX Talk is a must. He explains in a captivating way what 404 pages can do for your online presence.