How do I fix broken links for SEO?
Fixing broken links involves identifying 404 errors on your site and either restoring the missing content, redirecting the URL to a relevant existing page using a 301 redirect, or updating the link to point to the correct destination. This improves user experience and preserves link equity.
Broken links, which result in '404 Not Found' errors, are detrimental to both user experience and SEO. When a search engine crawler hits a broken link, it stops in its tracks, wasting your 'crawl budget' and preventing the discovery of other pages. For users, clicking a link only to find a dead end is frustrating and often leads them to leave your site immediately. To fix them, you first need to find them using tools like Google Search Console or a site crawler. Once identified, you have three main options. If the page was deleted accidentally, restore it. If the page was intentionally moved or replaced, implement a 301 redirect to the most relevant new page. This ensures that any 'link juice' the old URL had is passed to the new one. Finally, if the link was just a typo in the HTML, simply update the URL to the correct one. Regularly auditing your site for broken links is a fundamental part of healthy site maintenance.
Trin-for-trin guide
Scan Your Site
Use a crawler tool or Google Search Console to generate a list of all 404 error pages.
Prioritize High-Value Links
Focus first on fixing broken links that have existing backlinks or high previous traffic.
Set Up 301 Redirects
For permanently removed pages, redirect the old URL to the most similar current page on your site.
Update Internal Links
Search your own content for links pointing to the broken URL and update them to the live version.
Pro Tips
- Never redirect a broken link to your homepage; it's bad for UX and Google may ignore it.
- Check external links too; if you link to a dead site, update it to a fresh resource.
- Create a helpful custom 404 page with a search bar and popular links to keep users on-site.
Hvordan pSeoMatic hjælper
Pseomatic provides real-time monitoring for broken links across your domain. Instead of waiting for a monthly audit, our system notifies you the moment a link breaks, allowing you to implement a redirect instantly and protect your hard-earned organic traffic.
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Do broken links hurt my ranking?
Not directly, but they hurt user experience and waste crawl budget, which can negatively impact SEO over time.
What is a 404 error?
It is a standard HTTP response code indicating that the server could not find the requested webpage.
How often should I check for broken links?
Ideally, you should perform a link audit once a month or after any major site migration.
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