Difference between revisions of "Learn/404-Errors-Drive-Visitors-Away"
Suzi Ziegler (talk | contribs) (→How to avoid a page not found, or 404 error message) |
Suzi Ziegler (talk | contribs) (→What to do if a search indexes a page that is not found) |
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==What to do if a search indexes a page that is not found== | ==What to do if a search indexes a page that is not found== | ||
| − | + | To make sure you don't lose potential clients or sales due to missing pages, go to the search engine's submissions page and submit the new URL that links your new page. Make note of the page name that's no longer available, then rename your existing page with the old title. | |
This way people who search for your information will be directed to the correct page until the new page is reindexed. | This way people who search for your information will be directed to the correct page until the new page is reindexed. | ||
Revision as of 20:15, 8 October 2010
What does a "page not found" message mean?
Have you ever typed a URL in the navigation bar only to receive a "404 error message" or learn that the page no longer exists? It can be frustrating and feel like a waste of time, especially when repeated attempts produce the same results. It's not good for site visibility and it certainly isn't good for a customer trying to find your page. It's similar to a customer crossing town to visit your business and finding the "closed" sign on your door. Will the customer return? They might if you have a niche business, but if you're selling something that can be obtained elsewhere, they probably won't return. The same can occur with your website.
When and why do these messages occur?
"Page not found" or "404 error message" is the standard response to a server request for a site that is either dead, broken, or no longer in existence. In other words, when a server looks for a specific URL and can't find the requested site, the server will send a message indicating the page cannot be loaded or opened. Link rot is a slang term for the same occurrence.
While there are many reasons for a link to be broken, it is frequently due to some form of blocking such as content filters or firewalls. Links may also be inactive when the server hosting a page stops working, or relocates to a new domain name.
How to avoid a page not found, or 404 error message
The following rules will stave off a these messages when searching for a URL.
- Redirect on-site rather than take your page down. When someone arrives at your page they should find something useful even if it's simply a message inviting them to to visit your new homepage or contact you for more information. Finding "something" instead of "nothing" is the way to build trust among viewers.
- Redirect from the host - Another option is to check with your hosting company to see if they offer a 404 redirect. When a user enters the URL for your former page, they will automatically be redirected to your index or home page. It's the easiest way to ensure that a potential customer is never lost due to a page not being found.
- Submit new pages to search engines - It's a good idea is to resubmit new pages to search engines for reindexing. Although it's nice to inform visitors that a page they're looking for no longer exists, it's even better to have the new page with all the information the visitor requests when they perform a search.
- Keep an eye on your page listings - Do yourself a favor and check regularly to make sure your site listings aren't taking potential clients to 404 pages. Go to a search engine like www.altavista.com and type www.yoursiteURL.com in the search bar.
- Stay organized by recording site changes in a digital notebook. Don't rely on memory to stay current with search updates.
What to do if a search indexes a page that is not found
To make sure you don't lose potential clients or sales due to missing pages, go to the search engine's submissions page and submit the new URL that links your new page. Make note of the page name that's no longer available, then rename your existing page with the old title.
This way people who search for your information will be directed to the correct page until the new page is reindexed.