What Is a 404 Error Code? Common Causes and Fixes

Imagine landing on a webpage and instead of the content you expected, you're greeted with: “404 Page Not Found.” It’s a digital dead-end—but what does it really mean, and how can you fix it?

🔍 What Is a 404 Error Code?

A 404 error is an HTTP status code that indicates the server couldn’t find the requested page. In simpler terms, the website exists, but the specific page doesn’t—either because it's been moved, deleted, or the link was mistyped.

⚠️ Common Causes of 404 Errors

• Broken Links: The URL was changed but old links still circulate online.
• Deleted Pages: Removing or renaming a page without proper redirects leads to a 404.
• Mistyped URLs: Even a small typo can break the link.
• Server Misconfiguration: Back-end errors or migration issues may disrupt access.
• Incorrect DNS Routing: Domain settings might be pointing in the wrong direction.

🛠️ Fixes for 404 Errors

• Set Up 301 Redirects: Guide users from outdated URLs to the correct pages.
• Update Internal & External Links: Audit and fix any broken links across your site or others.
• Custom 404 Page: Design a helpful and branded error page to keep visitors engaged.
• Use Website Monitoring Tools: Regularly check for broken links with tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console.
• Revive Valuable Deleted Pages: Consider restoring high-traffic pages that were removed.

💡 Why Fixing 404s Matters

A poor 404 experience damages user trust and can impact your SEO rankings. Google prioritizes websites with healthy navigation and minimal dead links, making this more than just a technical hiccup—it’s a branding and visibility issue.

🌐 www.vizzveservices.com  – Building Seamless Digital Journeys

At Vizzve IT Services, we believe in creating digital experiences that are intuitive, powerful, and interruption-free. Whether you're designing a new site or managing legacy content, eliminating friction like 404 errors keeps your brand reputation sharp.

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