What is Error 404?

Error 404, also known as “HTTP 404 Not Found,” is an HTTP status code that is returned by a web server when a requested resource cannot be located. In simpler terms, it means the web server cannot find the web page, image, or file you’re trying to access. This error message is the server’s way of telling you, “I looked, but I couldn’t find what you’re searching for.”

Whenever you attempt to visit a webpage by typing its URL or clicking a link, your browser sends a request to the web server hosting that page. If the server cannot find the requested resource, it responds with an HTTP 404 error, and your browser displays a corresponding message.

When you encounter a 404 error, it’s usually accompanied by a message informing you that the page you’re looking for is unavailable. While the message can vary depending on the website’s design and customization, it generally displays something like “404 Not Found,” “The page you requested could not be found,” or “We’re sorry, the page you’re looking for doesn’t exist.”

Error Variations

The Error 404 message can appear in various forms, depending on the website’s design and the web server software being used. There are several variations of this error message, each offering a slight hint about what might have gone wrong:

• 404 Not Found: This is the standard and most widely recognized variation of the error, indicating that the requested web page or resource cannot be located on the server.
• 404 Page Not Found: Some websites choose a slightly more user-friendly approach by adding the word “page” to the error message. That makes it clear that the missing item is a web page.
• Error 404: The requested URL was not found on this server: This wordy version of the error message provides additional information, specifying that the URL was not found on the server.
• 404 File or Directory Not Found: This variation tells you that the server couldn’t locate a specific file or directory requested.
• HTTP 404: While it might not provide as much context as other variations, the statement “HTTP 404” is commonly used to categorize the error type.

What Causes the HTTP 404 Error Message?

Understanding the causes of the HTTP 404 error message is crucial for both website owners and users. There are several reasons why a web server might return a 404 error, and identifying the cause can be the first step towards resolving it.

• Deleted or Moved Content: This is the most common reason for these HTTP errors. If a webpage or resource has been deleted or moved to a different URL without proper redirection, users will encounter a 404 error when trying to access it.
• Typos and URL Errors: Human error plays a significant role in triggering 404 HTTP status codes. A simple typo in the URL, like a misspelled word or misplaced characters, can lead to a “Not Found” message.
• Broken Links: Websites frequently link to other web pages or external resources. If those links are broken, or the linked content has been removed, a 404 error can occur.
• Server Issues: Sometimes, server-related problems can prevent a page from being accessible. This could be due to server downtime, misconfigurations, or overloading.
• Restrictions and Permissions: Websites often have restricted areas that require authentication. You may face an error message if you don’t have the necessary permissions to access a particular page. 
• Expired Content: Content that is time-sensitive, such as event announcements or limited-time offers, can lead to 404 errors once their expiration date passes.
• External Factors: External factors, such as network issues, server outages, or domain changes, can disrupt the availability of web content, leading to a 404 HTTP status code.

The Impact of 404 Errors

The Error 404 message might seem like a small problem, but it significantly impacts both users and website owners:

Users

For users, experiencing a 404 error can be frustrating and lead to a poor browsing experience. It can disrupt the flow of information, create uncertainty, and may drive users away from the website. In cases where users encounter errors frequently, it can negatively affect trust and confidence in the website.

Website owners

For managers of websites, 404 errors can be damaging in several ways:

• Lost Traffic and Revenue: Website owners, especially those running e-commerce or content-based platforms, can lose valuable traffic and revenue when users experience 404 errors. Potential customers may abandon their shopping carts or leave the site entirely.
• Negative SEO Impact: Frequent 404 HTTP status codes can harm a website’s search engine rankings. Search engines like Google prioritize websites with good user experiences and penalize those with too many broken links and errors.
• Damage to Reputation: Consistent error messages can damage a website’s reputation. Users may perceive the site as unreliable or outdated, affecting its credibility.
• Missed Opportunities: 404 Not Found can lead to missed opportunities. When users are looking for specific content or products, facing an error message can stop them from completing conversions and purchases. 

How to fix the error 404 Not Found?

Now that we’ve uncovered the causes and consequences of HTTP 404 errors, it’s time to address the big question: How can you fix them? Here are some effective strategies:

For users:

• Check for Typos: If you’re the user facing the error, double-check the URL for any typos or mistakes. A simple typo could be the root of the problem.
• Reload the Page: Sometimes, 404 errors occur due to temporary glitches. Try refreshing the page to see if the error persists.
• Use Search Engines: If you can’t find a specific page on a website, use a search engine to locate it. Enter the website’s name followed by keywords related to the content you’re looking for.
• Check the Website’s Navigation: Look for site navigation menus, categories, or a sitemap. This can help you locate the desired content if it’s been moved or renamed.
• Contact Website Support: If the issue persists and you’re sure it’s not due to a typo, reach out to the website’s support or customer service. They can provide guidance on finding the content.

For website owners:

• Check for Broken Links: Website administrators should regularly inspect their site for broken links. Numerous online tools can help you identify and fix broken links.
• Implement 301 Redirects: When you move or rename a page, always set up 301 redirects. That way, you tell the server and search engines that the content has been permanently moved to a new location.
• Custom 404 Page: Create a custom 404 error page that provides a user-friendly message and offers navigation options to guide users back to the site’s main content.
• Monitor Website Health: Regularly monitor your website’s health and address server configuration issues promptly. This includes checking for expired SSL certificates, server errors, and other potential aspects that can cause errors.
• Use Webmaster Tools: Utilize webmaster tools provided by search engines like Google. They can warn you of broken links and other issues that lead to error messages.
• Test from Multiple Devices and Browsers: Ensure that 404 errors are not specific to a particular browser or device. Test your website’s functionality on various platforms to identify potential issues.

What is Error 500?

HTTP 404 vs Soft 404: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

An HTTP 404 error occurs when a server cannot find the requested page or resource and responds with a “404 Not Found” status code. It is a direct signal to both users and search engines that the page doesn’t exist. It can result from deleted content, broken links, or incorrect URLs. Search engines recognize true 404 errors and eventually stop indexing those pages, preventing them from appearing in search results.

A soft 404, on the other hand, occurs when a webpage returns a “200 OK” status code (indicating success), but the content is effectively missing or unhelpful, such as a “page not found” message without the correct error code. Soft 404s are problematic because they prevent search engines from recognizing and treating them as errors, potentially leading to poor user experience and a wasted crawl budget. To fix soft 404s, ensure that non-existent pages return the proper 404 status codes and redirect important content to relevant pages using 301 redirects. This helps preserve your site’s SEO and keeps users engaged.

Conclusion

Error 404, while often frustrating, is a common issue in the digital realm. It can occur for various reasons, from simple typos to more complex server configuration problems. However, with a better understanding of what causes these errors and a proactive approach to resolving them, you can minimize their effect. Ultimately, by addressing HTTP 404 Not Found with patience and persistence, we can all contribute to a more reliable and user-friendly online environment.

The post Error 404 Explained: The Page Not Found Mystery appeared first on ClouDNS Blog.

What are HTTP status codes?

HTTP status codes are three-digit number that a server sends to a client in response to a request made using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It informs the client about the outcome of the request and how the server processed it. Status codes are grouped into different classes based on their meanings, such as informational, success, redirection, client error, and server error. They help in understanding whether a request was successful, encountered an error, or requires further action from the client.

HTTP status code maintenance is essential for a favorable user experience, and pivotal for SEO. To automate the process, consider using a site audit tool like SE Ranking’s solution. It will not only check HTTP status codes of all your website pages but also advise on how to better address any detected issue to improve your SEO performance.

Suggested article: FTP vs HTTP: Understanding the Key Differences

The 5 HTTP status code classifications

The HTTP status code is included in the response header sent by the server. Each status code carries a specific meaning, categorized into five different classes:

1. Informational (1XX): These status codes indicate that the server has received the request and is continuing the process. Examples include 100 (Continue) and 101 (Switching Protocols).
2. Success (2XX): These status codes indicate that the request was successfully received, understood, and accepted by the server. Examples include 200 (OK), 201 (Created), and 204 (No Content).
3. Redirection (3XX): These status codes indicate that the client needs to take additional action to complete the request. It may involve redirecting the client to a different URL. Examples include 301 (Moved Permanently) and 302 (Found).
4. Client Error (4XX): These status codes indicate that there was an error on the client’s side. It typically means that the request was malformed, unauthorized, or the requested resource is not available. Examples include 400 (Bad Request), 401 (Unauthorized), and 404 (Not Found).
5. Server Error (5XX): These status codes indicate that there was an error on the server’s side while processing the request. It indicates that the server failed to fulfill a valid request. Examples include 500 (Internal Server Error), 502 (Bad Gateway), and 503 (Service Unavailable).

1XX Informational

The informational HTTP status codes show you that the request is received without problems, but you need to wait until it gets processed.

• 100 Continue. The server is not ready with your request. It still needs to work on it. It may be due to a large request that needs more time.
• 101 Switching Protocols. The server is changing protocols as requested by the client.
• 102 Processing. The server has received the request and is still processing it.
• 103 Early hints. The request might be too large, but you are getting some information before the final complete response.

2XX Success

Computers can show not just errors but also successes. These next codes show when a request is completed correctly.

• 200 OK. This message indicates a completed request. The request could be GET, HEAD, POST or TRACE.
• 201 Created. The request has led to the successful creation of a new resource (POST or PUT).
• 202 Accepted. The request has been accepted for processing, but the processing is not yet complete.
• 204 No content. The server, after processing properly your request, tells you that it won’t return any content.

3XX Redirection

If you have worked in SEO, you probably already know these redirects. They help you organize websites, especially after internal changes.

• 300 Multiple Choices: The requested resource has multiple choices available, and the client should select one.
• 301 Moved Permanently. If somebody moves an article from one category to another, its URL will change too. You need to point the old URL to the new one.
• 302 Found or Moved temporarily. The “moved temporary” has never been a popular and useful redirect. It was used like the 301, but if you move an item for just a short time.

What are 301 and 302 redirects and how to use them?

• 304 Not modified. Basically what this redirect tells us is that the file we requested, has no new modification from the last time we requested it. Your computer should have it in the cache.

4XX Client Error

In a client-server model, there are two sides, the client for easy use and server which answers queries from the different users. The 4?? errors are mostly due to a problem with the client or just answer of a request.

• 400 error, bad request. The server says that it will not continue with the request, because of an inappropriate request (probably a syntaxes error).
• 401 Unauthorized. This is when the person who wants to access has failed with the authentication.
• 403 Forbidden. Similar to 401 error, but here there is no fail, just the user has no access to that place whatsoever.
• 404 Not found. The most common error, when we are searching for an old article. 404 Not found will appear when the there is no redirect and the page is just gone.
• 405 Method Not Allowed. The method used in the request is not supported for the requested resource.
• 408 Request Timeout. The server timed out waiting for the client to send a complete request.
• 409 Conflict. The current state of the resource has a conflict that doesn’t permit the request.

5XX Server Error

Here are a few status codes that you might see often if you work with servers. This category is for the server part of the connection.

• 500 error. the most generic error possible. It doesn’t tell you anything more than the error is in the server.
• 501 Not Implemented. The server does not support or has not implemented the functionality required to fulfill the request.
• 502 error. bad gateway. The server was doing a job as a proxy or a gateway and got an invalid response from another upstream server.
• 503 Service unavailable. This you can see when the server gets too many task and overload or is down due to maintenance.
• 504 Gateway Timeout. The server, who was performing as a proxy or a gateway, didn’t receive a response in time from the upstream server. There could be a problem with the next server on the network.
• 505 HTTP Version Not Supported. The server does not support the HTTP protocol version used in the request.

The impact of HTTP status codes on SEO

HTTP status codes play a crucial role in SEO by influencing how search engines crawl and index your site. Here are key points:

• 200 OK: Indicates that the page is available and can be crawled and indexed by search engines.
• 301 Moved Permanently: Redirects to a new URL and transfers the SEO value (link juice) from the old URL to the new one.
• 302 Found: Indicates a temporary redirect, which does not transfer SEO value to the new URL.
• 404 Not Found: Indicates a missing page. Frequent 404 errors can harm SEO by signaling a poor user experience.
• 410 Gone: Indicates that the page has been permanently removed and should be deindexed by search engines.
• 500 Internal Server Error: Indicates a server error that prevents the page from being crawled, which can negatively affect search engine rankings.

To optimize SEO, use 301 redirects for permanent changes, fix 404 errors, avoid overusing 302 redirects, and maintain server health to prevent 500 errors. Effective management of these codes enhances search engine performance and user experience.

Conclusion

There are even more HTTP status codes out there, but these are the most common. Now that you know what they mean, you can understand the network better and know where to search for the problem. Hope it was interesting for you, if you want to know about another code that is not in our list, put it in the comments.

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