You click a link, expecting to land on a page. Instead, you see the message: “404 - Page Not Found.”
At first, it feels like you’ve hit a wall. But a 404 isn’t as dramatic as it sounds. It simply means the page you’re looking for doesn’t exist at that address. The website itself is still working - the problem lies with the page.
Why 404s Happen
A 404 is the web’s way of saying: “I looked for this page, but couldn’t find it.”
There are a few common reasons this happens:
- The page was deleted and no longer exists.
- The page was moved, but the link wasn’t updated.
- The web address (URL) was typed incorrectly.
- The link you followed is outdated or broken.
Think of it like going to your favourite shop, only to find it has moved two doors down. The shop hasn’t disappeared — you just need the new address.
Why They Matter
For everyday users, a 404 is a small inconvenience. But for businesses, too many broken links can create bigger problems.
- Frustration for visitors – people may leave your site if they can’t find what they need.
- SEO impact – search engines may lower your site’s ranking if they encounter too many broken pages.
- Poor first impressions – a site with errors looks neglected, which can reduce trust.
A single 404 isn’t the end of the world. Left unchecked, though, they can add up to missed opportunities.
What To Do If You See One
If you’re browsing and end up on a 404 page, there are a few simple fixes:
- Double-check the spelling of the web address.
- Head back to the homepage and navigate from there.
- Use the site’s search bar, if it has one.
- Contact the website owner if the problem keeps happening.
For website owners, the solution is about prevention and maintenance:
- Redirect old or deleted pages to a relevant new page.
- Keep your sitemap updated so search engines know where to look.
- Regularly check your site for broken links and fix them quickly.
The Bigger Lesson
A 404 is part of the internet. No site is perfect, and broken links happen. What matters most is how you handle them.
A well-designed 404 page can turn a dead end into a helpful detour - hiding people back to the homepage, offering useful links, or even showing a bit of personality. Done right, it keeps the visitor moving forward instead of walking away.
In other words: a 404 doesn’t have to be a problem. It can be an opportunity to show that even when things go wrong, your site knows how to keep people on track.
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