When a website page is missing, visitors and search engines can get confused. Two common errors appear in these situations: 404 and 410 errors. Both affect how links work and how search engines see your website. Understanding the difference helps protect your website traffic and rankings.
Businesses that ignore these errors risk losing visitors, authority, and search visibility. In this blog, we will explain 404 and 410 errors, how they affect links and SEO, and what actions to take to fix them.
What Is a 404 Error?
A 404 error happens when a page cannot be found. Visitors click a link, but the page does not exist. Search engines also see the page as missing.
Common Causes of 404 Errors
Page was deleted without a redirect
URL was changed but the link was not updated
Typo in the link
Website structure was updated and old URLs were not handled
A 404 page tells search engines that the page is gone, but it does not say whether it is permanent or temporary.
Effect on SEO
Search engines may stop showing the page in results
Links pointing to the page lose value over time
Visitors leaving the page may reduce engagement
404 errors are common, but ignoring them can quietly reduce website performance.
What Is a 410 Error?
A 410 error also shows that a page is missing, but it is more permanent. It tells search engines that the page is intentionally gone and will not return.
Common Causes of 410 Errors
Content was removed on purpose
Outdated product or service page
Legal or compliance-related removal
Effect on SEO
Search engines remove the page faster than 404
Links pointing to the page lose value immediately
Visitors trying to reach the page see that it is permanently gone
A 410 error is a clear signal for search engines that the content is gone for good.
404 vs 410: Key Differences
Feature | 404 Error | 410 Error |
Meaning | Page not found, may come back | Page gone permanently |
SEO Impact | Page may stay indexed for some time | Page removed faster from index |
Link Value | Links lose value slowly | Links lose value faster |
Use Case | Accidental deletion or typo | Intentional removal of page |
Understanding the difference helps decide which error to use and how to manage links.
How These Errors Affect Links
Both 404 and 410 errors can affect internal and external links.
Internal Links: Broken links confuse visitors and reduce engagement.
External Links: Links from other websites pointing to missing pages lose authority over time.
Ignoring link errors causes slow decline in traffic and credibility. Acting early prevents bigger problems.
How to Find 404 and 410 Errors
Finding missing pages is easier with tools and regular checks.
Use SEO audit tools to scan all pages
Monitor server logs to see which pages return 404 or 410
Check external links pointing to your website
Keep a spreadsheet to track errors and their status
Regular checks help catch errors before they affect visitors and search rankings.
How to Fix 404 Errors
404 errors can be fixed with a few steps:
Redirect the Page: Send visitors to a relevant page using a 301 redirect
Update Links: Fix internal links pointing to the 404 page
Remove Unnecessary Links: Delete links from content if no replacement exists
Custom 404 Page: Create a helpful 404 page that guides visitors to other pages
Fixing 404 errors keeps users on your website and preserves link value.
How to Fix 410 Errors
410 errors are permanent, so handling them carefully is important:
Confirm Removal: Ensure the page should not return
Notify Search Engines: Use tools like Google Search Console to update indexing
Update Links: Remove or redirect internal links pointing to the page
Communicate to Visitors: Optional messages or suggestions on other pages
Handling 410 errors correctly helps maintain website credibility and avoid confusion.
Best Practices for Managing Link Errors
Managing missing pages and link errors keeps websites healthy with the help of Digital marketing agency:
Regularly scan for broken or missing pages
Track errors in a simple spreadsheet
Prioritize pages with high traffic or high link value
Apply proper redirects for important pages
Keep content updated and remove outdated pages carefully
Small, regular actions prevent small problems from becoming big issues.
Why Choose Eflot
Eflot is a trusted digital marketing agency in Coimbatore that handles link and error management professionally.
The team follows clear steps:
Scans internal and external links to find errors
Fixes 404 and 410 errors quickly using proper redirects and updates
Maintains regular monitoring to keep links accurate
Eflot communicates in simple words and takes action without delay. Businesses working with Eflot get stable, reliable websites and a better experience for visitors.
404 and 410 errors are common but can hurt website performance if ignored. Regular monitoring and quick fixes help maintain links, traffic, and credibility. Businesses that act early prevent visitors from leaving and preserve their website authority.
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