Ever clicked a link and
hit a 404 page?
By Dany Stadtmuller · web developer and strategist
·
Estimated read time: 2 minutes
Why fixing broken links is easier (and more important) than you think
Ever clicked on a link, only to land on a “404 Page Not Found” screen? It’s frustrating, and if it annoys you, imagine how your visitors feel when it happens on your website.
Broken links aren’t just an inconvenience; they can damage user experience, hurt your credibility, and even drag down your search rankings. The good news? Fixing them is simpler than you might think.
Quick Takeaways
- Broken links frustrate visitors and hurt your SEO.
- Regular audits and simple fixes can keep your site polished.
- A little maintenance goes a long way for trust and performance.
Better User Experience
- No dead ends: Working links keep people exploring your site instead of bouncing away.
- Accessible for all: Fixing broken links removes barriers for visitors using assistive technologies.
- Smooth navigation: Functional links make your content easier and more enjoyable to browse.
Boosts Site Credibility
- Professional impression: A well-maintained site shows you care about details.
- Builds trust: Visitors notice when your site feels current and reliable. Working links signal that your content ( and your brand) can be trusted.
SEO Benefits
- Higher rankings: Search engines reward sites with smooth, error-free experiences.
- Preserves authority: Redirecting or fixing broken inbound links helps keep your SEO equity intact.
- Improves crawling: Search engine bots need working internal links to discover and index your content efficiently.
Best Practices for Fixing Broken Links
- Run regular audits with tools like Oh Dear, Website Auditor, or Google Search Console.
- Update or remove outdated links promptly.
- Use 301 redirects for moved content.
- If you want expert help, schedule a free audit.
The takeaway
Fixing broken links might seem like a small task, but it pays off in big ways. Happy users stick around, search engines reward you, and your brand looks polished and professional. A little regular maintenance keeps your website shining.
Further Reading
- How to Find and Fix Broken Links on Your Website
- Sitebulb: Guide To Broken Links & How To Fix Them
- Google Search Central: Redirects and Google Search
- Google Search Central: Site Moves and Migrations
Pro tip: If you’re on a Webmarks maintenance plan, we handle this for you. We scan your site regularly and send you updates so you always stay ahead of broken links.