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A 404 error, also known as a "Page Not Found" error, is a frustrating experience for both website visitors and website owners. When a user encounters a 404 error, it means they've tried to access a page on your website that doesn't exist. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it ultimately leads to a negative user experience and can potentially harm your SEO ranking.
Fortunately, identifying and resolving 404 errors on your WordPress website is a relatively straightforward process. In this guide, we'll explore what causes 404 errors, how to find them using your WordPress dashboard, and how to fix them effectively.
What Causes 404 Errors?
There are several common reasons why a user might encounter a 404 error on your WordPress website. Here are a few of the most frequent culprits:
- Deleted Pages:** If you've deleted a page from your website but neglected to update any links that pointed to that page, users who click on those outdated links will be met with a 404 error.
Finding 404 Errors in WordPress
There are a few different ways to identify 404 errors on your WordPress website. Here are two popular methods:
Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin
Several WordPress plugins can help you identify 404 errors on your website. One popular option is Yoast SEO. Yoast SEO monitors your website for broken links and provides a list of 404 errors within its user interface. Other SEO plugins may offer similar functionality.
Method 2: Using Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool offered by Google that provides valuable insights into your website's search engine optimization (SEO) performance. Within Google Search Console, you can access a report that lists any 404 errors that Google has encountered while crawling your website.
Fixing 404 Errors in WordPress
Once you've identified a 404 error on your website, you'll need to fix it. There are two main approaches you can take:
1. Redirect the 404 Error to a Relevant Page:
The most common way to fix a 404 error is to redirect the broken link to a relevant and existing page on your website. This helps to ensure that users who encounter the 404 error still land on a valuable page and can continue their journey on your website.
Many WordPress plugins, including Yoast SEO and Redirection, allow you to easily set up redirects for your 404 errors.
2. Restore the Deleted Page (if applicable):
If the 404 error is due to a page that you've accidentally deleted, you may be able to restore the page from a backup. This can be a good option if the deleted page is still relevant to your website.
Conclusion
By regularly identifying and fixing 404 errors on your WordPress website, you can ensure a better user experience for your visitors and potentially improve your SEO ranking. Fortunately, the process of finding and resolving 404 errors is manageable, and there are several tools and techniques at your disposal to help you keep your website running smoothly.
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