How to Solve Not Found 404 Error in Google Search Console
If you're a website owner or webmaster, you may have come across the infamous "404 Error" or "Not Found" error on your website. This error occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn't exist on your website or has been moved or deleted. While it's a common issue, it can have a negative impact on your website's user experience and search engine rankings. In this article, we will discuss how to solve the not found 404 error in Google Search Console.
Understanding the 404 Error
Before we dive into how to fix the 404 error, it's important to understand what it is and why it happens. As mentioned earlier, the 404 error occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn't exist on your website. This can happen due to several reasons, including:
The page has been deleted or removed.
The URL has been changed or modified.
The user has mistyped the URL or clicked on a broken link.
When a user encounters a 404 error on your website, it can lead to a poor user experience and discourage them from returning to your site. Additionally, search engines like Google also view 404 errors as a negative signal, which can harm your website's search engine rankings.
Identifying 404 Errors in Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a powerful tool that can help you identify and fix 404 errors on your website. Here's how you can do it:
Log in to your Google Search Console account and select your website.
Click on the "Coverage" report in the left-hand menu.
Look for the "Error" tab and click on it to see the list of errors on your website.
If you see any 404 errors listed, click on them to see the details and the affected pages.
Once you've identified the 404 errors on your website, it's time to take action and fix them.
How to Fix 404 Errors in Google Search Console
Here are some ways to fix the 404 errors on your website:
1. Redirect the page
If the page has been moved to a new URL or location, you can redirect the old URL to the new one using a 301 redirect. This will tell search engines that the page has been permanently moved and transfer the SEO value from the old page to the new one. You can set up a 301 redirect using your website's .htaccess file or a plugin if you're using a CMS like WordPress.
2. Restore the page
If the page has been deleted or removed, you can restore it from a backup or recreate it from scratch. This will ensure that the URL is accessible again and users can access the content they were looking for.
3. Customize the 404 page
You can also customize the 404 error page on your website to make it more user-friendly and informative. This can include adding links to other pages on your website, a search bar, or a message informing the user that the page they were looking for doesn't exist.
4. Fix broken links
If the 404 error is caused by a broken link, you can fix it by updating the link with the correct URL. You can use a broken link checker tool to identify broken links on your website and update them accordingly.
Conclusion
404 errors can be a common issue on websites, but they can have a negative impact on your user experience and search engine rankings. By using Google Search Console to identify and fix 404 errors, you can improve your website's usability and ensure that users can access the content they're looking for. Remember to redirect or restore the page, customize the 404 page