Glossary

What is 404 Error?

404 Error is an HTTP status code indicating that the server could not find the requested webpage. It occurs when a user tries to access a URL that no longer exists, was moved without redirection. Or was mistyped. This error signals to browsers and search engines that the page is unavailable, which can impact user experience and SEO performance.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026Reviewed by Anand MaheshwariSources reviewed: Google Search Central, Mozilla Developer Network (MDN)

Quick Facts About 404 Error

Key Takeaways About 404 Error

404 Errors happen when a webpage is deleted, moved, Or mistyped in the URL.
Too many 404 Errors can hurt a website’s search rankings and user experience.
Fixing 404 Errors often involves redirects, updating links. Or restoring missing pages.
Search engines like Google track 404 Errors but don’t penalize sites for occasional ones.
Regular website audits help catch and fix 404 Errors before they cause problems.

Understanding 404 Error

404 Error in SEO Company: 404 Error is an HTTP status code indicating that the server could—visual guide

A 404 Error is one of the most common messages users see when browsing the internet. It appears when a web server cannot locate the page requested by a user’s browser. This typically happens if the page was deleted, the URL was changed without proper redirection, or the user mistyped the address. While 404 Errors are frustrating for visitors, they also serve an important technical purpose: telling search engines and browsers that the page is no longer available at that location.

Related glossary terms: 301 Redirect, Google Search Console, Site Architecture.

Websites can generate 404 Errors for many reasons. For example, if a business removes a product page but forgets to redirect visitors to a similar product, users clicking old links will see a 404 Error. Similarly, broken links from Other websites or social media posts can lead to 404 Errors if the linked page no longer exists. Even small typos in a URL—like missing a letter or using the wrong domain—can trigger this error. While occasional 404 Errors are normal, too many can signal poor website maintenance.

How 404 Error Works?

When a user enters a URL or clicks a link, their browser sends a request to the website’s server. The server checks if the requested page exists and, if it does, sends the page back with a 200 OK status code. If the page is missing, the server returns a 404 Error instead. This process happens in milliseconds, often before the user even sees the error message. Search engine crawlers, like Googlebot, also encounter 404 Errors when scanning websites, which can affect how pages are indexed and ranked.

Websites can customize 404 Error pages to improve user experience. Instead of showing a generic error message, a well-designed 404 page might include a search bar, links to popular pages, or a friendly note explaining that the page is missing. Some websites even add humor or branding to make the error feel less frustrating. However, customizing the page doesn’t change the underlying error—it just makes it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.

Tools like Google Search Console and website auditing software can help identify 404 Errors. These tools scan a website for broken links and report which URLs are returning 404 Errors. Once identified, website owners can fix the errors by redirecting the missing page to a new location (using a 301 redirect), restoring the deleted page, or updating links pointing to the broken URL. Regularly checking for 404 Errors helps keep a website running smoothly.

Why 404 Error Matters?

How 404 Error applies to SEO Company services in Austin, United States—practical illustration

404 Errors matter because they directly impact user experience and SEO. When visitors encounter a 404 Error, they often leave the website, increasing the bounce rate. High bounce rates can signal to search engines that the website isn’t providing useful content, which may lower its rankings. Additionally, if a page with backlinks returns a 404 Error, the website loses the SEO value those links provide. Over time, unresolved 404 Errors can weaken a website’s authority and visibility in search results.

For businesses, 404 Errors can also mean lost sales or leads. If a customer tries to access a product page or contact form and sees a 404 Error, they might give up and visit a competitor’s website instead. Even small errors can add up, costing businesses potential revenue. By monitoring and fixing 404 Errors, website owners can ensure visitors have a smooth experience and are more likely to convert into customers.

When 404 Error Matters Most?

404 Errors matter most during website migrations, content updates. Or redesigns. When a website moves to a new domain or restructures its URLs, old pages might break, leading to 404 Errors. Without proper redirects, visitors and search engines will struggle to find the new pages, causing traffic and rankings to drop. Similarly, if a website deletes outdated content without redirecting it, users clicking old links will see 404 Errors instead of relevant information.

404 Errors also become critical after a website audit or SEO review. If auditing tools reveal a high number of broken links, fixing them should be a priority. This is especially true for ecommerce websites, where missing product pages can directly impact sales. Even blogs and informational sites should address 404 Errors to maintain credibility and keep readers engaged. Regularly checking for 404 Errors helps prevent long-term damage to a website’s performance.

In Austin, TX, where local businesses compete for visibility in search results, unresolved 404 Errors can put a company at a disadvantage. For example, if a local restaurant changes its menu page URL but doesn’t redirect the old link, customers searching for the menu might see a 404 Error and choose a different restaurant instead. By staying on top of 404 Errors, businesses in Austin can ensure their websites remain user-friendly and competitive.

How to Evaluate 404 Error?

Check Google Search Console for a list of URLs returning 404 Errors.
Use website auditing tools to scan for broken internal and external links.
Monitor bounce rates on pages with 404 Errors to see if users are leaving quickly.
Review server logs to identify frequently requested missing pages.
Test old URLs to confirm if they return a 404 Error or redirect correctly.

Related Concepts Compared

404 Error vs. 301 Redirect

A 301 Redirect permanently sends users and search engines from an old URL to a new one, while a 404 Error simply tells them the page is missing.

404 Error vs. Soft 404 Error

A soft 404 Error occurs when a server returns a 200 OK status for a page that doesn’t exist, while a true 404 Error correctly signals the page is missing.

404 Error vs. 500 Internal Server Error

A 500 Error indicates a server problem, while a 404 Error means the requested page doesn’t exist.

Expert Note

While 404 Errors are unavoidable, how you handle them makes a difference. A well-designed 404 page can turn a frustrating experience into a helpful one, keeping users engaged and reducing bounce rates.

Common Mistakes or Myths About 404 Error

Ignoring 404 Errors, assuming they don’t affect SEO or user experience.
Using temporary redirects (302) instead of permanent ones (301) for deleted pages.
Customizing 404 pages without fixing the underlying broken links.
Assuming search engines will automatically remove 404 Errors from their index.
Not checking for 404 Errors after a website redesign or URL change.

404 Error in Practice: A Real-World Example

A local Austin bakery deletes its old "Holiday Specials" page after the season ends. Customers clicking a link from an old email see a 404 Error instead of the new seasonal menu. By setting up a 301 redirect, the bakery ensures visitors land on the updated menu, keeping them on the site and increasing the chance of an order.