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?

Imagine, after a long time, you need to open a bookmark that you have more than a few years already. You try to open it, and…suddenly you see an error – “404 Page not found”. The page you were looking for has gone without a trace, maybe the whole website is missing, or maybe it was just a small change of the URL, but you will probably never know.

This is your first touch with an HTTP status codes, and specifically with 400-type. There are different status code types: 1?? Information responses, 2?? Success, 3?? Redirection, 4?? client errors and 5?? server errors. In the context of redirection, we focus on the 3?? status codes – 301 and 302 Redirects.

301 moved permanently

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that informs search engines and browsers that the requested page has been permanently moved to a new location. It ensures that both users and search engines are directed to the new URL and all the existing traffic, link juice, and SEO value of the old page are transferred to the new one.

This redirection is very convenient if you have changed to a new domain. You can redirect to the new one using the 301 redirection and Google will start indexing the new page (the page where the 301 redirects). The search engine will understand that object is moved from address A to address B permanently, and it will start “forgetting” the old one.

You can configure 301 redirects in different ways – using HTML, PHP, scripts, .htaccess (for Apache) or web.config (for IIS).

This process is a bit more time consuming, and you need specialized knowledge.

If you don’t have programming skills, and you don’t have a full-time programmer at your disposal, you can take advantage of our free feature called Web Redirects.

When to use a 301 Redirect

• Permanent URL Changes: If you have permanently moved or renamed a page on your website, implementing a 301 redirect is crucial. It ensures that users who try to access the old URL are automatically redirected to the new URL, preserving their experience and preventing broken links.
• Consolidating Content: When you merge two or more pages into one, a 301 redirect can be used to redirect users and search engines from the old URLs to the new consolidated URL. This consolidation helps avoid duplicate content issues and improves SEO by consolidating link equity.
• Domain Migrations: If you are changing your domain name, a 301 redirect can be used to redirect all traffic from the old domain to the corresponding pages on the new domain. This redirect ensures a smooth transition and helps maintain your search engine rankings.

Is there a limit to using 301 Redirects?

When it comes to using 301 redirects, it’s important to understand their impact on your site’s performance and SEO. Technically, you can use numerous 301 redirects, but it’s best to avoid creating long chains where one URL redirects to another and so forth. These redirect chains can slow down your site, confusing both users and search engines. Each redirect introduces a slight delay as the server processes the request, and multiple redirects can accumulate significant delays, leading to slower page load times and potentially frustrating visitors.

Search engines like Google may not pass the full SEO value through a series of redirects. The more redirects in a chain, the less SEO benefit the final URL might receive. Therefore, it’s best to keep your redirects as direct as possible. Ideally, a redirect should point straight to the final destination without any intermediate steps. This helps preserve SEO value and ensures faster load times, providing a better user experience.

Managing a large number of redirects can also become cumbersome. Regularly reviewing and updating your redirects is crucial to ensure they remain necessary and efficient. Removing outdated redirects helps keep your site clean and streamlined.

302 moved temporarily

302 Redirect is easier to use, it can be done with a simple JavaScript, but it has small applications. The most common use is in e-commerce websites. It is used for products that are temporarily out of stock. When your client opens the page of the product, instead of seeing the sad 404 error, he/she can be redirected to a different product or category. It might help you keep the client and leave a good impression.

So, 302 is commonly used when a website is undergoing maintenance or when a page is temporarily inaccessible. Unlike the 301 redirect, a 302 redirect does not transfer the SEO value and traffic from the old page to the new one.  It won’t replace the new page with the previous, and in the long-term, it can damage your PageRank and consequently can lower the visits to the page.

When to use a 302 Redirect

• Temporary Page Changes: If a page on your website is temporarily unavailable, such as during maintenance or updates, a 302 redirect can be used to redirect users to a temporary page or a maintenance notice. It signals to search engines that the change is temporary, and the original page will return.
• A/B Testing: When conducting A/B testing or running multiple versions of a page simultaneously, a 302 redirect can be used to send a portion of the traffic to one version and another portion to a different version. This allows you to compare the performance of different page variations without affecting the search engine rankings.

3 Best practices for implementing redirects

1. Redirect Chains: Avoid creating long chains of redirects as it can slow down page load times and confuse search engines. Whenever possible, aim to have a direct redirect from the old URL to the new one.
2. Correct HTTP Status Codes: Ensure that you set the appropriate HTTP status code (301 or 302) in the redirect response. This ensures search engines and browsers interpret the redirect correctly.
3. Update Internal Links: After implementing redirects, update internal links throughout your website to point to the new URLs. This helps maintain a consistent user experience and ensures search engines can crawl and index the new pages correctly.

How to configure redirects 301 and 302? Step by step guide

1. First you need to determine the type of redirect you need – 301 or 302 redirects

2. Then you need to access your website’s configuration files or Content Management System (CMS). The process may vary depending on your platform or hosting provider. Here are some common methods:

• Apache web server (.htaccess file): If you’re using Apache, you can add redirect rules in the .htaccess file located in your website’s root directory.
• Nginx web server (nginx.conf file): For Nginx, you need to edit the nginx.conf configuration file, which is typically found in the /etc/nginx/ directory.
• Content Management Systems: If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, you can usually configure redirects using built-in plugins or modules.

Suggested article: WordPress vs Drupal, which CMS to choose?

3. Write the redirect rules:

• For a 301 Permanent Redirect, the rule typically looks like this in Apache’s .htaccess file:

And for Nginx’s nginx.conf file:

• For a 302 Temporary Redirect, the rule is similar but with a different status code:

For Nginx:

4. Save the configuration changes and restart your web server if necessary. This step ensures that the changes take effect.

5. Test the redirects: Open a web browser and try accessing the old URL. It should automatically redirect you to the new URL based on the status code you specified.

Remember to replace “/old-page.html” with the actual URL or path you want to redirect from, and “https://www.example.com/new-page.html” with the destination URL or path you want to redirect to.

Web Redirect Record

Web redirect record is an essential tool in Domain Name System (DNS) management that guides all site visitors to a specific URL when visiting a particular domain, subdomain, or a specific path. This feature enhances overall website navigation and supplies an impressive, dynamic online user experience. It’s vital in performing URL forwarding, controlling domain aliases, and creating a seamless flow when a domain name or a webpage is altered or deleted.

Moreover, web redirect record plays a vital role in ensuring an effective and encrypted connection through the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL protects an internet connection and safeguards any sensitive data that’s being transferred between two systems. It prevents cybercriminals from reading and modifying any information transferred, including personal and credit card details. At ClouDNS, we offer this service for no additional cost. Our Free SSL Certificates are available in our Premium DNS, DDoS protected DNS, and GeoDNS plans.

Combining web redirect records with SSL can give an extra layer of safety by redirecting users to the HTTPS version of your website. This indicates that your website has an SSL certificate and the data transmitted between the users and the website is encrypted and secure.

But remember, implementing web redirects and SSL seamlessly requires efficient SSL certificate monitoring and web monitoring. Web (HTTP/HTTPS) monitoring check involves overseeing your website’s performance and availability to ensure a quality user experience. It detects potential issues in real time. This enables businesses to act immediately to resolve any potential problems.

Our Web Redirect Record (WR) is now an exclusive feature of our enhanced DNS plans, ensuring your redirect needs are seamlessly managed.

You just need to access the control panel and redirect from your old domain to a new one.

You can do it in just a few minutes – follow the instructions of our video, and you’ll be ready in no time.

Using our control panel, you can easily do both redirection methods – 301 or 302.

Now that you know them, you can use them accordingly and keep your SEO in order and your users happy.

Suggested article: DNS and SEO: How does DNS service affect SEO?

The post What are 301 and 302 Redirects and how to use them? appeared first on ClouDNS Blog.