If you have a website, you have probably seen a 404 error at some point, which is that annoying message that pops up when someone clicks a link or types a URL and the page can’t be found. Many businesses just ignore them, but 404 errors can actually affect how search engines see your website. If you’ve been hunting for a SEO agency near me, this is something to keep in mind.

What is a 404 Error?

A 404 error happens when a page is missing or cannot be reached, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the page being deleted, the URL being changed, or someone simply typing the address incorrectly. When a visitor hits a 404 page, they usually leave quickly – therefore increasing your bounce rate.

If you’ve been on the lookout for an SEO agency near me, it’s not always easy to pick one. Make sure you choose a company that is able to help you fix any errors.

Too many 404 errors can make search engines think your site is not well maintained and important pages that are missing may stop appearing in results. Even if your site is otherwise fine, having lots of broken links scattered around can still affect you.

Fixing 404s

There are ways to handle 404 errors, such as setting up redirects so that missing pages point to a relevant page. Another option is to create a custom 404 page that helps visitors find other content. Regularly checking for broken links and fixing them is a good habit, too.