Introduction
November 24, 2023
Hello there! Let’s discuss something crucial for your website – spotting and mending those broken links. It’s more important than you might think, so let’s dive into why and how you can keep your site in tip-top shape.
Fixing backlinks is essential for improving your company’s search engine optimization.
The reason for this is that on those pages, you may have a lot of excellent quality, do-follow backlinks, which are the bees’ knees in helping your company rank higher on Google.
But its a bit like having a fuel tank in your car, but the gearbox is broken; you’re not going anywhere.
And this is the same with broken links 404 broken links; what can happen is that you might have, say, a mass of 100 quality backlinks leading to that page on your website, but if the links are broken, well, you’re missing out on getting link equity sent to that page. Instead, the links are broken; all shown is a 404 page.
So instead of leading to a main page, which sold, for example, kitchen blenders, and that page possibly being ranked on page one of Google, in position 1, d you get a 404-page error, meaning you’re missing out on sales!
The Trouble with Broken Links
Picture this: you’re on a website, clicking a link, and – oh no! – it leads nowhere. These broken links, especially those dreaded 404 errors, can damage the UX. They’re like uninvited guests at a party, spoiling the fun for everyone else.
Broken internal links
Sometimes, these broken links are within your website, such as a link from a post to a main page.
Understanding crawl budgets
Think of Google’s bots as shoppers looking to buy a product. If you’re sending them on a wild goose chase to non-existent items you sell because the product pages have broken links, they’re using up their precious time – the “crawl budget”. Fix these, and they can instead discover the shiny new content marketing you’ve posted.
What exactly is link juice?
“Link juice” and “link equity” sound fancy, right? They’re all about the strength one website passes to another through links. Say, for example, The Independent, a newspaper, links to a company that produces a new appliance you should buy for your kitchen– that’s some quality link juice right there, boosting the manufacturer’s SEO and helping that business rank higher in Google.
Google Search Console: your link detective
Here’s a handy tool – Google Search Console- it’s free and brilliant at providing useful SEO information, such as which backlinks lead to your website. It’s like a magnifying glass for finding those broken links. Check the ‘Not Found’ tab, and you’ll see a list of links leading to a dead end generating 404 errors.
We would highly recommend getting a Screaming Frog account (there’s a free version)
Screaming Frog, a favourite among SEO consultants, is brilliant for sniffing out broken links, whether internal or external. And guess what? It’s got a free version too. It’s like having a detective on your team without spending a penny.
Google Analytics: Another great tool you can use to improve your SEO
Google Analytics isn’t just about how many organic visitors have visited your company website; it’s also great for tracking broken links and 404 errors. You can set up a custom report; it takes a matter of minutes, and you’ll catch those broken links in no time.
So, how do you go about fixing those broken links?
Now, how do you fix these broken links? There are a few ways to do this; it depends on how many broken links you have in terms of how long it will take to fix them. You can redirect them, fix typos, or recreate missing pages. It’s like setting a patch in a quilt – it’ll be good as new in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes broken links on websites?
Broken links often occur due to removed pages, changed URLs, or typos. It’s like misplacing your keys – sometimes, things go missing.
Why are broken links bad for SEO?
Think of broken links as roadblocks for search engines. They hinder the exploration of your website, leading to a poorer understanding of your site’s structure. This can negatively impact your rankings.
How can I identify broken links on my website?
Use tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and Google Analytics. They are like detectives, uncovering broken links in your website’s nooks and crannies.
What’s the best way to fix a broken link?
Options include setting up a 301 redirect, fixing typos, or recreating the missing page. It’s like redirecting traffic smoothly in a busy city.
How often should I check my website for broken links?
Regular check-ups, like a car service, are crucial. Monthly checks are an excellent practice to keep your website running smoothly.
Can broken links affect my website’s traffic?
Absolutely! Like a lousy signpost, they can lead visitors astray, causing frustration and potentially reducing traffic.
What is link equity, and how does it relate to broken links?
Link equity is the value passed through links. Broken links are like leaks in a pipeline, losing the valuable link equity that could have been passed on.
How does fixing broken links improve user experience?
Mending broken links is like fixing potholes on a road; it leads to a smoother, more enjoyable journey for your visitors.
Can redirecting a broken link preserve link equity?
Yes, it’s like redirecting a river’s flow – the water (link equity) still reaches its destination via a different route.
Is it necessary to fix all broken links on my website?
While it’s ideal to fix as many as possible, prioritize those significantly impacting user experience or SEO.
What’s the impact of broken links on crawl budgets?
They waste the limited time search engines spend on your site, like a shopper wandering in a store.
Can broken links lead to penalties from search engines?
While not direct penalties, they can indirectly affect your SEO performance and rankings.
What are some standard tools to find broken links besides Google Analytics and Screaming Frog?
Several other tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz offer unique features to hunt down those elusive broken links.
Is it better to delete a broken link or redirect it?
It depends on the context. If a relevant replacement exists, redirect. If not, deletion might be the way to go.
How does fixing broken links impact sales and conversions?
A smooth-running website, free of broken links, is like a well-oiled machine – it encourages visitors to stay longer and potentially convert into customers.
Do broken links affect site loading speed?
They can contribute to a less efficient site structure, which might indirectly impact loading times.
How can I prevent broken links on my website?
Regular maintenance, careful URL updates, and thorough checks when removing pages can help prevent broken links.
What’s the role of 404 pages in managing broken links?
A well-designed 404 page can be a temporary band-aid, helping lost visitors find their way back.
Can external broken links affect my website’s SEO?
Yes, they can. It’s like having a faulty signpost outside your shop – it doesn’t reflect well on your business.
How do I communicate fixed broken links to search engines?
Use tools like Google Search Console to resubmit your sitemap or inform search engines of the updates.
