WordPress is a popular content management system that powers over 40% of websites on the internet. However, one of the most common issues that website owners face is the 404 error. This error occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn’t exist or has been removed from the website. It can be frustrating for users and can negatively impact the website’s SEO. In this article, we will discuss how to remove the 404 error in WordPress.
Here are the steps on how to Remove 404 Error in WordPress:
Check the URL
The first step to fixing the 404 error is to check the URL of the page that is showing the error. It might be possible that the URL has been changed, or there is a typo in the URL. You can check the URL by copying it and pasting it into a new browser tab or window. If the page loads correctly, then the issue is with the link that the user clicked.
Check for Broken Links
The 404 error can also occur if there are broken links on your website. Broken links are links that point to pages that no longer exist. You can use a free broken link checker tool like Broken Link Checker to identify broken links on your website. Once you have identified the broken links, you can either remove them or update them with the correct URL.
Use a Redirect Plugin
If you have changed the URL of a page, you can use a redirect plugin to redirect users to the new URL. A redirect plugin will automatically redirect users to the new URL when they try to access the old URL. There are many redirect plugins available for WordPress, including Redirection and Yoast SEO.
Update Permalinks
Permalinks are the URLs of your website pages and posts. If you have changed the permalink structure of your website, it can cause the 404 error. To update the permalinks, go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard. Choose a new permalink structure and save changes. This will update the URLs of all your pages and posts.
Conclusion
The 404 error can be frustrating for users and can negatively impact the SEO of your website. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can remove the 404 error in WordPress. Remember to check the URL, identify and fix broken links, use a redirect plugin, and update permalinks. These steps will help ensure that your website is running smoothly and providing a positive user experience.
Things To Consider When Removing 404 Error In WordPress
1. Regularly check your website for broken links and fix them promptly to avoid 404 errors.
2. If you have recently migrated your website, ensure that all the URLs are redirected to the new URLs to avoid 404 errors.
3. Be careful when changing permalinks, as this can cause 404 errors if not done correctly.
4. Use a reliable hosting provider to ensure that your website is always available and doesn’t experience downtime, which can lead to 404 errors.
5. Consider implementing a custom 404 error page that provides users with helpful information and links to other relevant pages on your website.
6. Use Google Search Console to monitor your website for 404 errors and fix them promptly to avoid negative impacts on your website’s SEO.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your website is free from 404 errors, providing a positive user experience, and maintaining good SEO.
