A 404 error is a client-side problem that indicates that the requested URL cannot be found on the server. This means that the browser has connected and sent a request to the web server, but the latter cannot find the requested resource. As a result, the browser cannot load the web page and shows the user a 404 error.
The problem can occur due to the following reasons:
- A relocated or deleted page. Sometimes the content of the page may be deleted or moved without fixing the broken link.
- URL entered in error. The link to the page in the browser address bar is entered incorrectly. In other words, you are using the wrong URL to access the page.
- A problem with your DNS settings. Either the domain is still propagating or it is pointing to the wrong DNS address.
- Cache problems. The browser may be displaying a 404 error instead of the actual page content through an un-cleared cache. Thus, you continue to see the error even though the website is working for all other users.
- WordPress CMS Settings Failure. Since in WordPress, links are formed according to a template, a failure in the settings can cause a 404 error on all pages of the same structure.
The 404 error does not have a direct negative impact on SEO. For instance, it is quite normal in Google Directory. However, it is important to note that it depends on the cause of the error.
For example, if a user enters a URL incorrectly and sees a 404 error – it will not interfere with search engine optimization and website promotion. However, if you have errors due to broken or deleted URLs, this hinders Google’s ability to properly crawl your site and thus has a negative effect on SEO.
In addition, if a persistent link problem results in a 404 error across your entire site, Google will not be able to scan any content on your site. The presence of a large number of 404 errors also affects the ranking of your website in search engines: algorithms will perceive your resource as low-quality or unreliable. Therefore, you may lose a large amount of traffic, as well as potential customers.