What is a 404 error?
A 404 Not Found error happens when a browser or search engine requests a URL that no longer exists or cannot be found on the server. It is a client-side HTTP status code that informs crawlers and users that the requested resource is unavailable. Unlike server errors, a 404 indicates the request itself was valid, but the destination is missing.
What the 404 Not Found Status Code Means
The 404 Not Found status code signals to search engines that a URL does not currently return the type of content expected. Google interprets this as a strong indication that the page should not be indexed and that the page should be removed from the index if it was previously indexed. When used properly and safely, 404 errors help maintain index cleanliness and prevent search engines from wasting crawl budget on nonexistent URLs.
What causes a 404 Not Found Error?
404 errors are most commonly caused by URL changes without having proper redirects set up, deleted or unpublished pages, broken internal links, outdated external links, or typos in URLs. If not done carefully, they also frequently appear after site redesigns, CMS migrations, URL restructuring, or content pruning efforts where old URLs are not properly mapped to new destinations.
Soft 404 Errors vs True 404 Errors
A true 404 error correctly returns a 404 status code when content does not exist. A soft 404 occurs when a page appears to be missing but returns a 200 OK status instead, often showing a “page not found” message while signaling success to search engines. Soft 404s cause issues because they confuse crawlers, pollute the index, and dilute site quality signals. They can also be hard to diagnose and discover. True 404s provide clarity and are always preferable when content is genuinely gone.
Can 404 Errors Hurt SEO?
Contrary to popular belief, 404 errors do not directly hurt SEO on their own. In fact, they are a normal and expected part of a healthy website. However, problems can arise when 404s are excessive, unintended, or misused. Large volumes of broken internal links, important pages returning 404s, or soft 404s served as 200 responses can waste crawl budget, disrupt internal link equity flow, and weaken overall site trust. So while 404 errors are not harmful for SEO in and of themselves, if used improperly or inadvertently, they absolutely can be harmful to your ranking potential.
How To Resolve 404 Errors?
Resolving 404 errors starts with identifying whether the missing page should exist or not. If the content has a valid replacement, implement a 301 redirect to the most relevant URL. If the content was removed intentionally and has no equivalent, a proper 404 or 410 response is correct. For internal links pointing to 404 pages, update or remove the links. The goal is not to eliminate all 404s, but to ensure they are intentional and correctly handled.
When 404 Errors Are Actually OK
404 errors are completely acceptable and safe when content is permanently removed, outdated, or irrelevant with no legitimate replacement. Google expects some level of 404 activity on most websites. Allowing intentional 404s helps search engines understand site evolution and prevents low-value or obsolete pages from continuing to use up resources.
How to Find 404 Errors on Your Website
404 errors can be identified using Google Search Console, which reports URLs returning “Not Found” responses. Crawling tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs can surface broken internal links and response codes at scale.
Best Practices for Handling 404 Pages
404 pages should return a true 404 status code, not a 200. You should always try to find and properly handle soft 404 errors. 404 pages should be lightweight, load quickly, and clearly explain that the page is unavailable. Including helpful navigation, links to key sections, or a search option improves user experience without misleading search engines. Another popular belief that needs to be corrected is redirecting all 404 pages to the homepage. In reality, you want to avoid redirecting all 404s to the homepage. Handling all 404 errors in this way obscures intent and creates soft 404 issues. For more information on status codes, read our comprehensive guide on the topic.
Final Thoughts on Managing 404 Errors for SEO
In the world of technical SEO, 404 errors are an important and healthy signal, not an imperfection to be eliminated. When handled correctly, they improve crawl efficiency, protect index quality, page authority, contextual relevance, and long-term performance. The key is consistency though. Remember to that intentional removals should return intentional signals, and valuable URLs should never disappear without proper redirection. If you have a page that will replace the missing resource, link to it, otherwise, let the 404 stand. Just make sure you learn more about the technical side of SEO so you can handle it properly.
Hire Technical SEO Specialists To Resolve Your 404 Errors
If your site has accumulated broken links, soft 404s, or indexing instability, technical SEO expertise is very important. We offer a comprehensive audit (among other services), so if you are wanting to leave your technical SEO issues to the professionals, see what services we offer, and schedule a call.