Website Broken Links: What to Do
- A broken link is a URL that returns a 404 error or doesn't load as expected.
- Identify broken links by clicking on links or using a website crawler tool.
- Google Search Console helps you monitor and fix broken links on your website.
A website with broken links can harm your online reputation and user experience; a broken link is a URL that returns a 404 error or doesn't load as expected, often due to outdated content or incorrect links.
What are broken links and how to confirm them?
A broken link is a hyperlink on your website that doesn't work as expected. It may lead to a 404 error, a "page not found" message, or simply not load at all. Broken links can occur when a page or file is deleted, moved, or renamed, or when a website URL changes.
Identifying Broken Links
To identify broken links, check your website for links that don't work or load correctly. You can do this by clicking on links throughout your site or by using a website crawler tool. A website crawler is a software program that scans your site and reports any broken links it finds.
Confirming Broken Links with Google Search Console
To confirm broken links on your website, use Google Search Console. This free tool helps you monitor your website's online presence and identify technical issues like broken links. To use Search Console:
- Go to the Crawl errors section and look for "Not found" errors
- Check the "Not found" error count to see how many broken links your website has
- Use the "Crawl errors" dropdown menu to filter by error type, such as "404" errors
- Click on a specific error to view more details about the broken link
Common causes of broken links on websites
Outdated content is a common reason for broken links. When a website's content changes or is removed, internal links to the outdated pages become broken. This can happen when a business rebrands, merges with another company, or decides to retire a product line.
Incorrect links can also cause problems. This might occur when a website's URL structure changes, or when a link is typed incorrectly. For example, a typo in a URL can lead to a 404 error and a broken link.
Technical issues can also cause broken links. These might include problems with the website's hosting, server, or underlying code. A website hacked by malware can also lead to broken links, as discussed in Website Hacked? Signs, Spam Links and What to Do First.
- Incorrectly formatted links, such as missing or extra slashes
- Links to non-existent or deleted pages
- Broken links to external websites that have changed their URL structure
- Links to files that have been moved or renamed
- Server-side errors, such as 500 Internal Server Errors
Step-by-step guide to fixing broken links
Identify broken links using Google Search Console
Check your website's crawl errors in Google Search Console to see which URLs are causing issues. This will show you which links are not working and need to be fixed. You can also use Google Search Console to see which pages on your website are linked to the broken URLs.
Use a text editor to find broken links on your website
Open your website's HTML files in a text editor and search for the broken URL. You can use the "Find" function to search for the URL. This will help you locate the link in your website's code.
Fix the broken links
- - Update the URL in the website code to point to a working URL.
- - If the URL is no longer available, replace it with an alternative link or remove it altogether.
- - Test the link to make sure it's working correctly.
- - If you're using a plugin or CMS, update the link in the plugin or CMS settings.
- - If you're not sure how to fix the link, try searching for help online or seeking advice from a developer.
Preventing broken links on your website
Regular maintenance
Regularly updating your website's content and links can help prevent broken links. This involves reviewing and checking links on your website, especially after making changes or updates. You can also set up a schedule to review links periodically to catch any issues before they become major problems.
Using link-checking tools
Utilize link-checking tools to help identify and fix broken links on your website. These tools can scan your website and provide a report on broken links, making it easier to address the issue. Some tools also offer features to help you fix the links automatically.
- Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor your website's performance and identify broken links.
- Set up a schedule to regularly check your website's links using link-checking tools.
- Consider using a plugin or extension to automate the link-checking process.
- Make sure to test links after making changes to your website to catch any issues early.
- Always check the links of any external resources you add to your website to ensure they are correct and up-to-date.
Additional tips
Always check the links of any external resources you add to your website to ensure they are correct and up-to-date. Also, make sure to update your website's links when external resources change or move. For example, Why Your Website Says "Not Secure" (and How to Fix It) can guide you on how to handle HTTPS changes.
If you would rather hand this job to someone else, it is the kind of work our website services cover.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find broken links on my website?
You can use a website crawler tool or manually check your website by clicking on links. Google Search Console can also help you identify broken links. Check the Crawl errors section for 'Not found' errors.
What causes broken links on a website?
Outdated content, incorrect links, and technical issues like hosting or server problems can cause broken links. A website hacked by malware can also lead to broken links.
How do I fix broken links on my website?
To fix broken links, update the link to the correct URL or remove the link if the content is no longer available. Use a website crawler tool to identify and fix all broken links.
Can broken links affect my website's reputation?
Yes, broken links can harm your online reputation and user experience. They can make your website appear unprofessional and unreliable.
How do I prevent broken links on my website?
Regularly update your website's content and links to prevent broken links. Use a website crawler tool to identify and fix broken links before they become a problem.
What is a 404 error?
A 404 error is an HTTP status code that indicates a webpage or resource could not be found. It's often displayed when a broken link is clicked.
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